Law enforcement agencies nationwide are bracing for the Labor Day weekend rush, setting checkpoints and working officers overtime.
In Lowndes County, the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol is coordinating with the Columbus Police Department the Sheriff”s Office to set up checkpoints to catch drunk drivers.
The weeks surrounding Labor Day have the highest number of alcohol-related crashes, said patrol spokesman Brian Mobley.
“During holidays, there”s probably people who drink then more than any other time in the year,” he said.
This week, law enforcement agencies in Mississippi are trying to be more “aggressive,” setting safety checkpoints up around the state, Mobley said.
Columbus police will have “several” checkpoints in the city and will have extra officers patrolling this weekend, said CPD Public Information Office Terrie Songer.
“I just want everyone to get home safe,” she added.
The Sheriff”s Office is calling in auxiliary officers to assist deputies over the weekend, said Chief Deputy Greg Wright.
“We”ll have adequate coverage for the weekend,” he said, adding that checkpoints were possible in the county.
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