This holiday weekend, the Sacramento Police Department will be looking for people who choose not to be responsible by drinking and driving.

On Friday, July 1, 2011, the Sacramento Police Department's DUI Team will be conducting saturation patrols throughout the City in an effort to deter and stop those driving under the influence. 

On Saturday, July 2, 2011, members of the DUI team will be assisting with an Avoid the 17 checkpoint within the County of Sacramento. 

On Sunday, July 3, 2011, the Sacramento Police Department will conduct a sobriety and driver's license checkpoint at 21^st Street and Capitol Avenue.  It will begin at 8:30 p.m. and run for 5-7 hours. Traffic flowing through the checkpoint will be contacted by uniformed officers, who will be checking for alcohol and/or drug-impaired drivers. Officers will also check to make sure all drivers have a valid driver's license.

The purpose of the saturation patrol and checkpoints are to promote public safety, increase awareness on the dangers associated with drinking and driving, and to serve as a deterrent to potentially impaired and unlicensed drivers.

Funding for the programs was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Please direct any inquiries to Sergeant Chris Prince at (916) 808-6069. Media is encouraged to attend the checkpoint in an effort to spread awareness about the impacts of drinking and driving.