12:39 | Usually when a police department issues a press release — a perfectly reasonable practice — the impetus comes in two flavors: wanting to inform the public, or wanting to spin public perception.
But the just-issued press release from the Long Beach Police Department is of a third variety: an intended deterrent. In this specific case, the LBPD is announcing to criminally selfish and dangerous drivers everywhere: on New Year’s Eve, we’re gunning for you (metaphorically speaking).
“L.B.P.D. STARTS THE NEW YEAR BY MAKING ROADWAYS SAFER,” LBPD Press Release #2011 trumpets. And while such an announcement is more hopeful/prognoscitaory than factual, the intent is beyond question: the LBPD will be conducting “DUI saturation patrols […] [i]n an effort to reduce the number of people killed and injured in alcohol and drug related accidents.”
Public discussions about the proper use of police resources are good to have, but here’s a usage that’s beyond debate. Impaired driving — be it from alcohol, cannabis, dangerous illicit drugs, prescription medication, cough syrup, or lack of sleep — is often a life-or-death matter. And since the police are sworn “to protect and serve,” efforts to prevent impaired driving — and punish its practitioners — are exactly what the LBPD should be doing New Year’s Eve (which, in case you haven’t heard, is a time when a few of us have been known to bend the old elbow).
“By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Long Beach Police Department believes motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving,” the press release states. “Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs – Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest. The public is encouraged to help keep roadways safe by calling 9-1-1 if they see a suspected impaired driver.”
Amen to that. We shouldn’t give a damn what substances adults choose to ingest; but their fitness to operate a motor vehicle is very much everybody’s business.
So if you find yourself intoxicated Saturday night, stay where you are or call a cab, or take advantage of AAA’s free tow service of up to seven miles (call 800.400.4AAA), or avail yourself of the system-wide, free bus service being offered by Long Beach Transit courtesy of the Downtown Long Beach Associates. You got options.
And if you see someone in no condition to drive who’s choosing to do just that, if you can’t stop the fool, heed the LBPD’s call to call 9-1-1. This isn’t even close to ratting someone out: it’s about stopping someone willing to gamble with innocent lives.
My New Year’s wish for all you civilians is the perfect combination of celebration and safety. And to the Long Beach Police Department, I wish you an uneventful evening.