Austin Police Department Extends No Refusal Initiative For New Years

“No Refusal is not about making as many arrests as we can,” Lt. Blake Johnson with APD’s Highway Enforcement Unit said. “It’s about keeping unsafe drivers off Austin roadways and keeping the public safe.”

The Austin Police Department will be conducting a No Refusal Initiative that coincides with the upcoming Holiday Season. This initiative will run as follows:           

• 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. – Fri., Dec. 15, 2017 through Sat., Dec. 16, 2017
• 3 p.m. – 5 a.m. each day, starting Sat., Dec. 16, 2017 – Tues., Jan. 2, 2018

During No Refusal, detectives will assist in applying for blood search warrants in cases where a suspect under arrest for DWI refuses to provide a voluntary sample of breath or blood. By extending this initiative throughout the holiday season, APD hopes to deter drinking and driving when it is most likely to occur.
 
“No Refusal is not about making as many arrests as we can,” Lt. Blake Johnson with APD’s Highway Enforcement Unit said. “It’s about keeping unsafe drivers off Austin roadways and keeping the public safe. No Refusal ensures that we have solid blood alcohol content evidence of every arrest and as such enhances our ability to prosecute people who drive drunk and put others in danger.”
 
The holidays are often associated with parties and gatherings where alcohol is present. This initiative reminds everyone that area law enforcement agencies encourage them to make the responsible choice not to drive if they are impaired in any way. Know before you go, get home safe. APD is focused on saving lives in the Austin metropolitan area and making roadways safe through education and enforcement.