Police Gear up for New Years Eve | Video

Chris Williams | 12/26/2012

New Years Eve is less than one week away. While most of us will celebrate with friends and family, the Williston Police Department will be having one of their busiest nights of the year.

With the number of people moving to western North Dakota, law enforcement has been stretched pretty thin. But Williston Police Officers will be out in full force on New Year’s Eve.

"We`ll have seven officers working, basically, is what we call it on the street. Just for everybody’s safety,” said Detective Cory Collings.

One of the things officers will be looking for that night are people driving under the influence, which is a growing problem in Williston.

"DUIs and accidents, they go hand in hand, and that`s where fatalities come in. Obviously if fatalities are high, so are DUIs,” Collings added.

In 2010 there were 139 DUIs. In only two years that number has jumped up to 294. If you know you will be drinking on New Year’s Eve, Collings says to plan ahead.

"Have your DD lined up, have your cab lined up.”

In the past, police have helped some people get home safely.

"In the past years we`ve given people rides home. If we have enough going on right then or if they have calls they`re going on, they`re going to hit the calls first before they give rides,” Collings added.

Collings says not to count on an officer for a ride, and they won`t take you anywhere other than home.

"In the past other people think they`re going to get rides from one liquor establishment to the other one. That`s not how it works. The biggest thing is to get them a ride home.”

The first offense for DUI can result in your license being suspended, and a fine.

Cab Numbers in Williston:
Basin Cab: 701-577-1957
Executive Transport: 701-774-8294
Mr. Kab Taxi of North Dakota: 701-609-7937

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