CSPD increases patrol for holiday season

Colorado Springs police say the night before Thanksgiving is one of their busiest nights.

“We’re really turning the heat up on drivers that drive drunk,” said Sgt. L.C. Morgan with Colorado Springs police.

From Nov. 25 through Dec. 30 you can expect to see more officers patrolling Colorado Springs.

“We are increasing our numbers drastically over what we would normally have out,” said Morgan.

The increase in officers is part of CSPD’s holiday campaign, keeping drunk drivers off the road. It’s a message they want to spread to both drivers and establishments that serve alcohol.

“We don’t want anyone leaving here in a position where they could hurt themselves or other people,” said Sean Radley, manager of Cleats Bar and Grill.

During the holidays, Cleats Bar and Grill offers their customers a free ride home using a limo-taxi service.

“It’s just something we do to generate interest but also give people that comfort to get home safely,” said Radley.

Last year over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend CSPD responded to 24 DUI’s in Colorado Springs; this year they hope to lower that number.

“We’re optimistic this year people will make better choices and have safety plans set up for them and their family,” said Morgan.

Customers like Jason Kite know just how important it is to have a designated driver.

“I make sure we have designated drivers and we know the whole night cops are out and thank goodness for them,” said Kite.

Police say they want people to enjoy the holidays, but to do so responsibly.

“Please just find a designated driver or taxi cab, the cost of doing that is a lot less expensive than the cost of a DUI,” said Morgan.