Patrols Stepped Up for Tipsy Drivers

Many police departments and the California Highway Patrol have stepped up drunk-driving patrols in Orange County during the holidays, particularly for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, authorities said Monday.

“By educating the public . . . we hope they cease to drive and drink,” Anaheim Police Lt. Jack Para said. “It doesn’t appear that everybody gets the message, hence the extra patrols.”

CHP officers are staffed at “maximum enforcement” levels during the holidays, according to CHP Officer Randy Murdoch. “We’re sending out as many officers as we can,” he said, adding that 80% of the patrol force is on duty during any given 24-hour period, contrasted with about 50% under normal staffing conditions.

“We have several (special) teams out, and the officers will specifically be looking for drunk drivers,” Santa Ana Police Lt. Jack Nelson said. “They’ll be out to about 3:30 in the morning . . . until after New Year’s.”