Crestview police to target drunken and aggressive drivers

Crestview police will soon have new tools in their arsenal to combat drunken and aggressive drivers.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement awarded the Crestview Police Department a $43,135 grant to implement an aggressive driving and DUI enforcement program.

Crestview Mayor David Cadle said the money will be used to purchase an unmarked police car and an alcohol breathalyzer.

“Right now, we share one (a breathalyzer) with the sheriff’s office,” Police Chief Brian Mitchell said.

The unmarked car will be used to target intoxicated drivers, speeders and aggressive drivers.

Despite a crackdown on traffic violations, the city has experienced a 16 percent increase in traffic accidents during the first two quarters of 2009, Cadle said.

 “During the same time frame, the number of (traffic) citations issued has increased by more than 13 percent,” Cadle said.

The increase follows on the heels of a substantial decrease in automobile accidents from 2006 to 2008, when the department stepped up efforts to reduce traffic violations.

Some of the measures implemented were strict enforcement of traffic violations, public education outreach efforts and the use of electronic signs and speed-limit monitors.

Numerous factors impact traffic patterns in the city. Those factors include an “unparalleled growth in the city and North Okaloosa County, three major highways traversing the city from every direction and projected developed due to an increased military presence in the area during coming years,” Cadle said.

The unmarked vehicle won’t just be used on the city’s most congested road. Mitchell said the unmarked car will also be used to respond to complaints throughout the city.

“We are going to try and hit the problem spots,” Mitchell said.

The breathalyzer will not only help police successfully prosecute drunken drivers but will also save them time. When the Sheriff’s Office breathalyzer is down for maintenance, Crestview police have to take suspected drunk drivers to Niceville for testing.

“Then we have to drive them all the way back,” Mitchell said.