Police to beef up patrol on New Year’s Eve

A heavy presence of officers will help ring in the New Year.

More police officers than usual will be on the streets of Lawrence as people celebrate, said Sgt. Bill Cory, police spokesman. No saturation patrols are planned, but officers will be focusing on alcohol violations, he said.

“The Lawrence Police Department wants everyone to enjoy the holiday, but please do so in a responsible and safe manner,” Cory said.

Drunken drivers should be reported to law enforcement promptly, said Sgt. Steve Lewis, Douglas County sheriff’s spokesman. Deputies will monitor the roads and highways closely, he said.

If you’re out and about on New Year’s Eve, Lewis said wearing your seat belt is the best defense against drunken drivers.

“It is better to be responsible and spend the holiday with family and friends, than spend it in a hospital bed or in a jail cell,” Lewis said.

Those ringing in the New Year with alcohol should have a designated driver or a safe ride home to avoid tragic collisions and drunken driving arrests, law enforcement said.

DCCCA Inc. is coordinating Tipsy Taxi, a free taxi service for those who overindulge. For the 25th year, area businesses will provide free taxi rides home for those who have been drinking.

Ten taxis will be dedicated to providing the free rides between 10 p.m. Wednesday and 3 a.m. Thursday for those who specifically ask for a Tipsy Taxi when calling 842-TAXI (8294). The taxi will only take people to a residential address and not to other parties or businesses.