Monmouth County law enforcement continues its crackdown of DWI'S by adding a "high-visibility vehicle" to their arsenal designed to increase their presence on the road by shining a light to ward off intoxicated drivers.

Monmouth County DWI Task Force Van. (Monmouth County Prosecutors Office)
Monmouth County DWI Task Force Van. (Monmouth County Prosecutors Office)
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It's a 2017 Ford Transit 350 Wagon with an XL High Roof which will become a more visible presence on the road for drivers in Monmouth County as law enforcement hopes to cut down on some startling statistics.

“The task force will conduct its operations every week to supplement the round-the-clock efforts of law enforcement in every municipality in Monmouth County,” said Brielle Police Chief Michael Palmer who is also the coordinator for the DWI Task Force. "Our team approach to the issue of drunk or impaired driving is making strides towards safer roads."

Over the last half-decade the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office DWI Task Force has brought around 70,000 drivers up to speed during weekday roadside operations.

Just last year alone, 98 people were arrested to go along with 370 summons' issued in relation to driving under the influence in 26 different municipalities.

DWI checkpoints have resulted in the arrest of 525 people for DWI'S with 72 of them saying no to a breathalyzer test.

Another alarming statistic is this task force made 365 drug-related arrests, 351 for other offenses and a stingy 5,426 motor vehicle violations all together.

This new vehicle will set up additional checkpoints and is due in large part to funding and planning by the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety who contributed a $24,000.00 grant, a $6,415.00 infusion from the Prosecutor's Office Law Enforcement Trust Fund for a grand total of $30,415.00.

The Police Chief’s Association provided funding to paint the vehicle and provide necessary accessories to ensure  the vehicle is ready to perform its role as a high-visibility van at night.

“The Monmouth County DWI Task Force has a program in place that is a model for educating the motoring public about the dangers of drinking and driving and apprehending those under the influence," said Gary Poedubicky, Acting Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. "We are pleased to be able to support the task force’s efforts through these grant funds.”

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