O.C. Prosecutor Calls for Increased Vigilance by Law Enforcement Ahead of Summer Season

prosecutor joe coronato tlsWith Prom season and the busy summer travel season looming, Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato announced the continuation of its’ annual countywide DWI checkpoint program. The program consists of staging numerous checkpoints throughout Ocean County. The program’s design creates a force multiplier by regionalizing and supplementing local DWI enforcement. The program will also conduct DWI enforcement patrols throughout the county. In making his announcement, Prosecutor Coronato reminded drivers that an extra measure of caution and not operating under the influence can prevent tragedy.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “The start of Prom season and the added volume of summer shore traffic calls for increased vigilance by law enforcement, and that will be the focus over the coming months to keep motorists safe. We ask that drivers do their part by driving responsibly and making smart choices behind the wheel every day of the year.”

While inattentive and aggressive drivers are always targets of law enforcements’ regular patrols, the purpose of these efforts is to detect, educate, deter, arrest, and vigorously prosecute impaired drivers. The program targets those under the influence of alcohol, but in response to Ocean County’s drug crisis also utilizes an addition of two Drug Recognition Experts at each check point to detect those under the influence of narcotics. The county also oversees a county wide call out system for DRE’s to respond and assist agencies in conducting evaluations of subjects suspected to be operating a motor vehicle under the influence of narcotics.

Each year impaired drivers are responsible for about a third of the deaths occurring on Ocean County roadways. In 2013 Ocean County had 51 fatalities, the second highest number in the state. 2014 saw 46 deaths on Ocean County roadways.

The checkpoint program, which is funded in part by the Ocean County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety, will be conducted by local police agencies in conjunction with Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit focusing on both intoxicated and drug impaired drivers. The program is operated through the Prosecutor’s Vehicular Homicide Unit coordinated by Det. David Margentino under the direction of Assistant Prosecutor Patrick Sheehan.

[TLS]

This content, and any other content on TLS, may not be republished or reproduced without prior permission from TLS. Copying or reproducing our content is both against the law and against Halacha. To inquire about using our content, including videos or photos, email us at [email protected].

Stay up to date with our news alerts by following us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

**Click here to join over 20,000 receiving our Whatsapp Status updates!**

**Click here to join the official TLS WhatsApp Community!**

Got a news tip? Email us at [email protected], Text 415-857-2667, or WhatsApp 609-661-8668.