DPS News: MINNESOTA’S 2021 “DWI PATROL ALL-STARS” RECOGNIZED AT TODAY’S MINNESOTA TWINS GAME

MINNESOTA’S 2021 “DWI PATROL ALL-STARS” RECOGNIZED

AT TODAY’S MINNESOTA TWINS GAME

Extra Speed Patrols

• To stop dangerous driving decisions that involve drugs and alcohol, officers, deputies and troopers made 22,653 DWI arrests across Minnesota in 2020.
• Each year, a group of dedicated officers, deputies, troopers and prosecutors make up a “DWI All-Star” team, going above and beyond to get impaired motorists off the road.
• The 61 DWI All-Stars will be recognized for their efforts at today’s Minnesota Twins game.
• The 2021 DWI All-Star team made 3,749 arrests in 2020.

2021 DWI All-Star Team

• The 61 DWI All-Stars accounted for 17 percent of all DWI arrests in the state in 2020.
• Patrick Bendel of the Red Lake Department of Public Safety led all DWI All-Stars with 196 arrests.
• Chad Streiff from the Eden Prairie Police Department led all metro law enforcement with 134 DWI arrests.
• Trooper Gustavo Culbeaux from the Minnesota State Patrol led all troopers with 175 DWI arrests.

 “It’s a great honor to be recognized as the top DWI All-star in the state.” Said Pat Bendel with the Red Lake Department of Public Safety. “Every impaired driver taken off the road is a potential life that is saved. The same is true for all of my fellow all-stars! I believe that we as an All-Star Team have made a massive impact this last year and have saved countless lives together through our cumulative efforts in DWI enforcement. I want to congratulate all of those being recognized with me tonight and I applaud every law enforcement officer who helps make the roads safer through DWI enforcement”

DWI All-Star Team

DWI Arrests and Deaths

• Preliminary reports show 84 people died in drunk driving-related crashes in 2020.
• In the last five years (2016-2020), 461 people died in drunk driving-related crashes.
• Through education, enhanced patrols and awareness, an increasing number of motorists are choosing to drive sober. The 22,653 DWI arrests in 2020 is a 25 percent decrease in the last 10 years.
• In 2020, law enforcement made an average of 62 DWI arrests per day.

DWI Consequences

• A DWI offense can result in the loss of a driver’s license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time. Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

 Commit to a Sober Ride

• Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, contact a cab or ride-share service, use public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Speak Up – Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
• Buckle up — the best defense against a drunk driver.
• Report drunk driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.