While the holiday season is usually the happiest time of year, it also brings with it an increase in DWIs. To help combat this, law enforcement entities throughout Hidalgo County have united to participate in No Refusal throughout the holiday season.
The No Refusal period began on Nov. 1 and will continue through Dec. 31.
No Refusal means that Hidalgo County law enforcement agencies may go to extra lengths to ensure DWI convictions. Judges will be ready to service search warrants sought by law enforcement for drivers who refuse a breath test.
Introducing a Guest Patrol Officer
Additionally, a special guest has joined Hidalgo County law enforcement agencies to help ensure holiday revelers do not drink and drive. The Grinch will be on Patrol with Hidalgo County law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of every motorist.
Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. “Eddie” Guerra has a clear message for those who choose to drink and drive during this holiday season.
“No matter how full our county jail is, we will always have room for anyone who chooses to drink and drive,” said Guerra. “The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is proud to be a part of The Grinch on Patrol – No Refusal DWI Initiative, which includes many other law enforcement partners from across Hidalgo County.”
“The holiday Season is upon us. The Grinch had a change of heart and has joined law enforcement agencies from throughout Hidalgo County to be on patrol,” said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez. “This year, we proudly join forces with the Grinch and our law enforcement partners as we begin our 60-day DWI No Refusal Initiative.
“Our goal is simple – safer community is a more joyous community. No Refusal is simple: Drink, Drive, we will not be denied the evidence,” Rodriguez concluded. “Our collaborative efforts are resource-multipliers. We ask our community to collaborate as well to prevent DWI throughout Hidalgo County this holiday season.”
A United Front
Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala says his department stands united with law enforcement allies.
“Our objective is clear: a safer community equals a happier community. The No Refusal approach is straightforward – if you drink and drive, we won’t be stopped in obtaining the necessary evidence,” he stated. “Working together with our partners multiplies our resources and we invite our community to collaborate with us to prevent DWI. So, let’s all make a plan for a safer, more joyous holiday season.”
Mission Police Chief Cesar Torres echoes the sentiments.
“If you drive while impaired, the consequences could be life changing. No Refusal message means: If you are stopped while driving under the influence, we WILL take a specimen from you. We will protect our citizens at ALL cost,” he said.
San Juan Police Chief Leandro Sifuentes is also on board.
“As the holiday season approaches, families prepare to travel from point A to point B and visit their loved ones to celebrate. The San Juan Police Department and its neighboring law enforcement partners will enforce and intercept any driver who wishes to drink and drive intoxicated; the San Juan Police Department has zero tolerance for DWI offenders,” he stated. If we arrest you for DWI, the Grinch will give you a ride to the Hidalgo County jail, where Sheriff Guerra has ‘vacancies’ for drunk drivers.”