A number of Morris County police departments will be increasing their local patrols between now and the end of the year in an effort to catch drunk drivers on local roadways.

According to Morris County authorities, the patrols will last through January 1. Law enforcement hopes that the increased presence of police officers and DUI checkpoints on roads will prevent intoxicated drivers from getting behind the wheel.

The special emphasis on stopping drunk drivers has become a priority for Morris County police departments participating in a national campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The campaign is focused on preventing motorists impaired by alcohol or drugs from getting behind the wheel and causing DWI accidents.

The Wharton Police Department, which also deals with crimes in Mine Hill Township, is among a number of police departments conducting the DWI checkpoints in Morris County. Other police departments include Denville, Jefferson Township, Chester Township, and Randolph.

A New Jersey grant is being used to pay for the DWI checkpoint in Mount Olive. The state grant will cover the costs of extra police officers on duty during the holidays.

If anyone in Morris County is caught driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), they would likely face significant penalties. Depending on whether the DWI offender has previous drunk driving convictions on their record, the potential penalties include suspension of driver’s license, monetary fines, and even jail time.

For further information about the DWI checkpoints, access the DailyRecord.com article entitled “Wharton, Mine Hill Police Conducting DWI Patrols.”