Can I Ask the Police to Wait for a Drunk Driver?

Yes, you can ask the police to wait at a location for a suspected drunk driver. However, the response may vary based on the local police force and the specific circumstances of your request.

Understanding Police Response

Whether or not the police will wait for a drunk driver can depend on the situation and the availability of officers. If you only assume that a driver may be drunk, the police are unlikely to take you seriously. However, if you observe a driver weaving regularly while driving at a specific time and location, and can provide a detailed account, the police may consider your request more seriously.

Typical Police Procedures

Working for a busy law enforcement agency, we found that they often had limited resources. Requests to wait for a specific driver could be difficult to meet due to the high volume of calls and the need to address immediate public safety concerns.

Is It Possible to Request Police Presence?

It is generally possible to request the police to wait for a suspected drunk driver. However, the police may not always honor such requests. They are more likely to take action when provided with concrete information, such as a specific description of the driver or their actions leading to a legal traffic violation.

Encouraging Proactive Measures

The police are often enthusiastic about reducing the number of drunk drivers on the road. In fact, many departments actively encourage the public to report suspected impaired drivers, even if the tip is anonymous. They recognize the importance of deterring drunk driving and preventing potential accidents.

Getting Police Involved

While you can always request police presence, it's crucial to provide them with actionable and concrete information. For example, if you observe a driver staggering into their car after excessive alcohol consumption, leaving the bar or liquor store, this would be a strong reason to request police action. Providing a detailed description and potentially film evidence can also aid the police in their response.

Effective Reporting Techniques

The best approach is to call the police as soon as you see a suspected drunk driver in action, such as weaving or erratic driving. Answer all relevant questions about the driver's behavior, including whether the car is weaving, starting and stopping abnormally, or in any other suspicious manner. This type of reporting is taken more seriously by law enforcement than neighbor complaints.

Alternative Actions

If your request is not honored by the police, you can still take alternative actions to prevent drunk driving. You can gather your own evidence, such as video footage, and bring it to the local prosecutor. While this evidence cannot be used in court, it can still be valuable for increasing police vigilance in the area.

Testifying and Legal Considerations

If you provide your testimony and the evidence you've gathered, be aware that you may be called to testify in a deposition or in court. This can be a significant commitment, and you should prepare for the possibility of a legal proceeding.

By understanding the role of the police and the importance of providing actionable information, you can contribute to making the roads safer for everyone. Whether it's a simple report or gathering evidence, your efforts can make a real difference in reducing drunk driving incidents.