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December 27, 2010 - New Year's Eve - Extra Patrol
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The Rapid City Police Department will ramp up its patrol presence this weekend, in an effort to ensure all citizens can ring in the new year safely.
Because New Year’s Eve falls on a Friday, the Department is expecting larger crowds and more traffic on the roads. Additional officers will be working to identify and apprehend drunk and impaired drivers, with increased DUI enforcement beginning at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Additionally, the 500 block of 6th Street (between Main Street and St. Joseph) will be blocked off to motor vehicles between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., for the annual ball drop hosted by the Hotel Alex Johnson. Motorists will not be allowed to park in that area during that time.
Citizens who are planning to celebrate on New Year’s Eve are encouraged to think before they drink. Appoint a designated driver or use a taxi service to get home safely and avoid putting others at risk.
Reducing the number of alcohol-related crashes in Rapid City has been an ongoing goal of the Department. In 2009, Rapid City police arrested 26 people on New Year’s Eve, including five for driving under the influence (DUI). There were no alcohol-related crashes in Rapid City on New Year’s Eve last year.
As always, the Rapid City Police Department urges all citizens to avoid drinking and driving, and reminds everyone to wear a seatbelt when operating or riding in a motor vehicle.
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Note: RCPD arrest statistics for New Year’s Eve will be compiled and released to the media on Jan. 1.
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