DWI Enforcement Unit

The Columbia Police Department received approval from the City Council on
September 21, 2009, to accept a grant from the Missouri Department of
Transportation’s Highway Safety Division to create a full-time DWI Unit.

The grant contract period runs October 1st, 2009 through September 30, 2010,
and is renewable. The first year involved selecting and training the two officers,
as well choosing, purchasing, and outfitting their two vehicles. The officers were
selected and began their full-time DWI enforcement activities some time back,
but the acquisition of the vehicles took some time.

The department now has the DWI Unit fully outfitted with its two new 2010
Chevrolet Tahoes, complete with reflective emblems and a full array of lights.
Both vehicles are equipped with AS- IV model breath instruments, so suspected
intoxicated drivers do not have to be transported to the Columbia Police
Department in order to submit a breath sample.

The grant paid 100% of the cost of the vehicles and equipment, as well as the
officers’ salaries and benefits. The second year’s contract will pay 75%, and
subsequent years will continue to be funded at 50%.

The department’s goals for the new vehicles are that they are highly visible and
easy to identify.