Grant Funded DUI Enforcement Results - First Quarter

The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) is continuing its commitment to reducing impaired-driving collisions and keeping Santa Rosa roadways safe through enhanced DUI enforcement funded by the California Highway Patrol Cannabis Tax Fund Grant.

During the first quarter of the grant period, SRPD conducted three DUI saturation patrols and one DUI checkpoint. During the first-quarter DUI checkpoint:

• 973 drivers were screened
• 3 drivers received DUI/Field Sobriety Test evaluations
• 14 drivers were cited or arrested for driving without a valid license or driving on a suspended license
• 2 individuals were arrested for outstanding criminal warrants

• 94 traffic stops
• 16 FST evaluations
• 1 DUI arrest
• 35 citations
• 56 traffic warnings
• 5 arrests/citations for drivers with suspended licenses or without a valid license
• 4 felony arrests, including the arrest of a felon found in possession of a firearm

The CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant provides SRPD with additional resources to address impaired driving, including driving under the influence of cannabis and other drugs. Grant-funded enforcement allows the department to deploy additional officers specifically focused on identifying impaired drivers, increasing traffic-safety visibility, and reducing collisions caused by alcohol- and drug-impaired driving.

The additional funding also enables SRPD to expand its DUI enforcement beyond what could otherwise be accomplished with existing department resources. By funding overtime and dedicated enforcement operations, the grant allows SRPD to conduct additional saturation patrols and checkpoints while maintaining regular patrol staffing and other essential police services.

Highly visible DUI enforcement serves both an enforcement and educational purpose. Saturation patrols and checkpoints help identify impaired drivers while also reminding the public that driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, or other drugs can have serious and potentially deadly consequences.

“Grant funding like this gives our department the ability to put additional officers on the road with a specific focus on impaired driving,” Chief Cregan said. “Our goal is not only to identify and arrest impaired drivers, but also to prevent people from making the decision to drive impaired in the first place. Increased enforcement and public education work together to help reduce serious and fatal collisions.”

SRPD reminds the community that impairment is not limited to alcohol. Cannabis, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and other drugs may impair a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. If you plan to drink or use an impairing substance, plan ahead. Use a designated sober driver, rideshare service, taxi, public transportation, or arrange to stay where you are.

The Santa Rosa Police Department will continue conducting CHP Cannabis Tax Fund Grant-funded enforcement operations throughout the coming months as part of its ongoing effort to make Santa Rosa’s roadways safer for everyone.

Media inquiries can be directed to Lieutenant Christopher Mahurin at cmahurin@srcity.org