Law enforcement on the lookout for impaired drivers

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, December 31, 2014

By Olivia McClure

NATCHEZ — Miss-Lou law enforcement officials say they’ll be on the lookout for impaired drivers on New Year’s Eve.

The Natchez Police Department isn’t planning to have any extra officers on the road, but they will be patrolling to make sure everybody is safe, said NPD Detective Jerry Ford.

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Officers will look for signs of intoxicated driving such as swerving across lanes, driving without headlights or anything that’s not normal.

“Anyone that we catch impaired like that, they’ll be coming to jail,” Ford said.

NPD officers will also watch for people shooting fireworks or firearms, which is prohibited within city limits.

Police will issue a warning the first time, Ford said, but a second offense could result in a fine or jail time.

In Vidalia, additional officers will be on duty on New Year’s Eve, according to Assistant Police Chief Bruce Wiley.

“We ask that everyone be safe and responsible on New Year’s Eve,” Wiley said. “If they’re going to go somewhere, have a designated driver.”

No DWI checkpoints are planned in Natchez or Vidalia.