MoCo Police Announce Results Of Alcohol Task Force

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — The 2019 Alcohol Holiday Task Force period by the Montgomery County Police Department has come to an end, according to a release from the department. This marks the end of the task force's sole focus on alcohol-related offenses, which has lasted eight weeks.

The task force resulted in a total of 288 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The actual number is higher, however, as this figure represents only those arrested by police in the task force.

In the last week of the task force, from Dec. 31 to Jan. 5, it resulted in 32 DUI arrests.

For each week-to-week set of data, see the links below, as obtained from the Montgomery County Police Department website:

• 2019 Holiday Alcohol Task Force Enforcement – Week 1
• 2019 Holiday Alcohol Task Force Enforcement – Week 2
• 2019 Alcohol Holiday Task Force Enforcement – Week 3
• 2019 Alcohol Holiday Task Force Enforcement – Week 4
• 2019 Alcohol Holiday Task Force Enforcement – Week 5
• 2019 Alcohol Holiday Task Force Enforcement – Week 6
• 2019 Alcohol Holiday Task Force Enforcement – Week 7

Police released these tips concerning alcohol safety:

• If you plan on drinking, include a sober driver in your plans
• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving
• Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins
• When you know you’ll be drinking, leave your keys at home or give them to someone else
• If you have been drinking, do not drive—even a short distance. Call a taxi, Uber, phone a sober friend or family member or use public transportation.

If you believe you are observing a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs:

• Call 911. If possible, and without putting yourself in danger, obtain the license plate of the vehicle, the direction of travel of the vehicle, and a description of the vehicle (make, model, color).

If you have information on establishments that are selling alcohol to youth under 21 or over-serving patrons:

• If it is occurring at the present time, you can call the police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.
• If you believe it is an ongoing issue, you can call Crime Solvers toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please provide as much information as possible. Tips will be forwarded to the Alcohol Initiatives Section.
• You can also call the Keeping it SAFE: Under Twenty-One Alcohol Prevention Coalition at 301-670-7233 to report an ongoing issue of an establishment selling alcohol to minors. Tips will be forwarded to the Alcohol Initiatives Section.