Watch Out Waltham: Police Increasing DUI Enforcement

are increasing enforcement of the driving under the influence laws.

As part of the effort, Waltham Police have recently increased the number of patrols for DUI enforcement in addition to patrolling for other crimes, according to Waltham Police Sgt. William Gallant, who heads the Community Services division. The campaign started on Aug. 15 and ends Spet. 3., according to Gallant.

During the patrols, police are also watching for motorists running red lights and other erratic driving behaviors. 

While he did not have statistics at hand, a review of the August arrest logs shows police have arrested at least 20 people on DUI related charges, although some of these where charged before the campaign began.

Those drivers face a range of potential penalties including fines, jail or probation, according to state law. However, judges often find accuse DUI drivers not guilty in DUI cases, according to a Boston Globe series published earlier this year.

A $3,300 state grant from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security funded the program, Gallant said.