Chicago's streets are set to be under the watchful eye of the law this weekend as the Chicago Police Department gears up for a DUI Saturation Patrol in the city's 9th (Deering) District. Starting from Friday, April 19, 2024, at 6 p.m. and rolling through until Saturday, at 2 a.m., the initiative aims to curb impaired driving and other traffic violations. Officers dedicated to the mission will be on the lookout for signs of impairment, speedsters, and violations of seatbelt and vehicular safety regulations. The department has indicated that specialized vehicles will be on hand to catch those flouting speed laws.

Alongside the watchful patrols, the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit will be in service to fast-track DUI charges. According to the Chicago Police Department, the use of this unit can expedite charging and potentially allow for I-Bonds to be issued right at the scene—streamlining the process from infraction to charge. The previous DUI Saturation Patrol, which took place in the 6th (Gresham) District on April 12-13, saw a total of 40 citations, though none for DUI or distracted driving offenses.

The report from the last operation paints a picture of compliance in some areas but issues in others: there were 17 citations for unsafe vehicle violations and zero for DUI or open liquor infringements. Insurance violations were cited five times, seat belt infractions twice, driver's license violations four times, among other breaches of road safety laws. Despite the range of offenses, the sobering fact remained that no arrests were made for driving under the influence, offering a glimpse of hope that perhaps messages about the dangers of drinking and driving may be resonating with drivers.

Community safety initiatives like the DUI Saturation Patrol are a response to concerns over road safety. The zero-tolerance stance taken against impaired driving is a message the department is eager to reassert with every patrol. All eyes will be on the roads of the 9th District this weekend to see if the trend of DUI compliance continues, or if the sirens of law enforcement will be heard alongside the clink of handcuffs and whir of tow trucks. Stay tuned for local reaction and the final tally on whether this intensive patrol method continues to show results in keeping Chicago's roads safe.