Police Kick off New Year with Dedicated Alcohol-Related Patrols

Redlands Police have resolved to start the New Year with a series of foot and vehicle patrols dedicated to preventing alcohol-related problems in the downtown area. “Maintaining a safe, welcoming downtown business district where our residents and visitors enjoy spending time is a priority for us,” said Chief of Police Mark A. Garcia. “These extra patrols are aimed to help us do just that.” The new patrols are set for the first three Friday and Saturday nights of 2015 and will focus on preventing and responding to people driving under the influence, public intoxication and other alcohol-related problems downtown. The patrols will provide an additional complement to party patrols, DUI checkpoints, minor decoy operations and saturation patrols Redlands Police conduct as part of the Responsible Redlands initiative. “We expect the presence of these extra patrols will have a strong deterrent effect,” said Garcia. “Ideally our officers will find no problems.” The six initial patrols are funded through a federal State Incentive Grant. The results will determine whether additional patrols will be funded. According to the Center for Disease Control excess alcohol consumption costs the U.S. over $223 billion annually. Alcohol misuse and abuse in Redlands costs individuals, businesses and government more than $242 million per year according to the Pacific Center for Research and Evaluation. “By preventing these problems in the first place, we can save Redlands taxpayers and businesses many times the cost of the patrols while keeping our city a great place to live, work and play,” said Garcia. The Responsible Redlands initiative aims to curb the problems related to binge and underage drinking in Redlands in order to achieve a safer, healthier community. The campaign includes DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols to identify intoxicated drivers, party patrols to enforce the city’s Social Host Ordinance and decoy operations to cite businesses and individuals who provide alcohol to underage persons. The focus of the Responsible Redlands enforcement actions include alcohol retailers, bars, house parties and those driving under the influence of alcohol. The initiative also works with alcohol outlets to support improved sales and service practices. For suspected alcohol​related violations, please call (909) 798​-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword “REDTIP.”