Freeport, Long Beach Police To Step Up DWI Patrols Through Labor Day

MINEOLA, NY — Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced $60,000 in grants to fund DWI patrols from now through Labor Day in Freeport and Long Beach.

The grants, fully funded by criminal asset forfeiture provided by Nassau County D.A. office, will be used to provide hundreds of hours of dedicated patrols to combat drunk and drugged driving.

Between 2014 and May 2025, the Long Beach Police Department has made 1,078 DWI arrests, including 273 drug-related DWI arrests.

With the assistance of the NCDA grant funds, the Freeport Police Department provided increased patrols last summer. From Memorial Day to Labor Day 2024, the Freeport Police made 60 arrests for DWI crimes, the D.A.'s office said.

“We encourage everyone to enjoy the summer and take advantage of all that our waterfront communities have to offer. This is an excellent time of year. We urge you to enjoy this time responsibly. Don’t drink and drive,” said Freeport Police Department Deputy Chief of Police Donnie Ethier. “Our summer patrols have increased, and there is zero tolerance for driving under the influence."

The stepped-up enforcement will be staffed by officers who are trained in field sobriety tests, breath analysis and drug recognition. Patrols will focus on strategic times of high traffic, including weekends and holidays, and locations where DWI offenses are most likely to take place, like bars, waterfront areas and outdoor restaurants.

“While we are excited about the start of summer and all the good that comes with it, we also know it's when DWI-related crashes and deaths spike,” said Long Beach Police Commissioner Richard DePalma. “This support from District Attorney Donnelly saves lives."