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St. Cloud State University
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SCPD faces drunk drivers
By Nick Hanson and Nyssa Dahlberg
Published:
Monday, October 13, 2003
Media Credit: Erin Mesenbring
SCPD launched a Safe and Sober campaign Friday and Saturday. Officers worked overtime for the two-day period. It was made possible as part of a $40,000 grant.
When sober, most college students agree that drinking and driving is a bad choice.
However, after a few drinks, some students find themselves behind the wheel anyway. Excuses range from being too cold outside, having too far to walk or not having the cash to dish out for a cab.
In an attempt to halt drinking and driving, the St. Cloud Police Department launched a Safe and Sober campaign. The campaign took place Friday and Saturday.
"The main thing we hoped to accomplish during Safe and Sober weekend is to make sure that people are operating their vehicles safely," said Sergeant James W. Morrison from the St. Cloud Police department.
To make the campaign effective, the SCPD put in plenty of extra hours throughout the weekend.
"Officers had to come in off duty," Morrison said. "On average, we had an extra three or four officers on duty per night working strictly overtime."
The Safe and Sober operation is a federally funded program conducted by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and Traffic Safety.
They received a grant of $40,000 to run it and other enforcement campaigns throughout 2004.
"The operation would not be possible without the grant money," Morrison said.
Drinking and driving is a problem in St. Cloud, said third-year SCSU student Connie Schroeder.
"People don't think when they are drunk, they just get in the car and say, 'Let's go,'" she said. "It is definitely dangerous and people can get hurt."
The problem affects other communities around the state too, Schroeder said.
"It happens everywhere, not just in St. Cloud. It is a problem among all college students," she said.
The SCPD should focus on more anti-drinking and driving campaigns in the future, she said.
"They (SCPD) should concentrate more on people drinking and driving than on people peacefully partying that are minding their own business and not potentially hurting others," she said.
The problem with drinking doesn't lie in underage consumption or social engagement, but with driving, said second-year student Ryan Gillen.
"The problem doesn't start until you get in the car," he said.
Last October, alcohol related accidents killed 18 people and contributed to 365 injuries in Minnesota alone.
Over 300 law enforcement departments participated in the safe and sober campaign throughout Minnesota. Safe and Sober weekend is the first of 12 campaigns.
Results from the Safe and Sober campaign should be released today.
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