FRANKLIN — Dozens of police officers hit the road Wednesday night in search of drunk and impaired drivers.
Officers from both Milwaukee and Waukesha counties gathered at Goerke’s Corners in Brookfield for a street roll call. These officers are part of the Southeastern Wisconsin Impaired Driving Task Force.
More than 40 agencies participate in various OWI (operating while intoxicated) task force deployments in the area.
“Every time you are out on a deployment, you are making a difference,” said Capt. Matt Borchardt of the Greenfield Police Department.
The Wednesday before Thanksgiving has many nicknames, such as “Drinksgiving” or “Blackout Wednesday.” It is a time when friends and families come together to celebrate.
Drivers can expect to see more police cars patrolling into the early morning.
Watch: Police step up efforts against drunk driving as holiday season kicks off
Sgt. Sean Patyk of the Franklin Police Department was driving one of those cars while on patrol.
TMJ4 spent a few hours with Sgt. Patyk to learn how these patrols keep people safe.
“Our intent is not to get people in trouble,” said Sgt. Patyk. “We want people to have a good time. We want people to enjoy the holidays, but do it responsibly.”
He urged drivers to consider all available resources before getting behind the wheel, such as scheduling a rideshare in advance, having a sober friend pick them up, using public transportation, or taking the keys from a friend who is about to drive drunk.
Even with all those resources, he said, people will still attempt to drive under the influence.
“There are still people who will push the envelope, and that’s what we’re here to stop,” said Sgt. Patyk.
Sgt. Patyk hopes that by providing a visible presence on the roadways, it will encourage those who have been drinking to think twice before getting behind the wheel.
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