More Sheriff’s Office deputies to be on patrol during the holidays

EL PASO, Texas – More El Paso County sheriff deputies will be out in the streets tracking

DWI offenders thanks to funding provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Deputies will also target people who are speeding, making intersection violations, not wearing seat belts, and not following child safety seat guidelines.

The enhanced patrol operations will take place during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period.

“Use designated drivers; our deputies will be out in full force keeping El Paso roadways safe,” said El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles. “One drink is too many when getting behind the wheel, and we will be out looking for DWIs.”

The Sheriff’s Office said El Paso County is a “no refusal” county. If a driver is arrested for driving while intoxicated and refuses to submit a sample of his or her breath for analysis, a search warrant will be obtained and blood sample will be taken to determine alcohol concentration.

Either way, the driver will be booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility.

Authorities encourage the public to seek alternate means of transportation if they plan to consume alcoholic beverages.