To develop and coordinate a comprehensive DWI counter-measure program to deter the incidence of drunk driving and the occurrence of alcohol related traffic injuries and fatalities. ENFORCEMENT
To maintain existing enforcement levels while providing funding for overtime saturation patrols, and new updated equipment for enforcement efforts when required. The Oswego County STOP-DWI Program was awarded funding through a grant application with the NYS STOP-DWI Foundation to provide for High Visibility Checkpoints / Saturation Patrols / DRE Call Out during Impaired Driving Crackdowns during seven annual periods. Officers develop more communication and cooperation between agencies, and officers become more attuned to enforcing alcohol and drug-related traffic offenses. The checkpoints are established in high volume routes with a history of DWI arrests. At the end of the checkpoints, officers shift to Saturation Patrol, spreading out across their assigned zones for an additional period. The Oswego County STOP-DWI Program has a long history of aiding law enforcement with the proper equipment to effectively enforce Article 31 (Alcohol and Drug-Related Offenses) of the NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law. This includes speed radar, field sobriety Alco-sensors, and other traffic related equipment as needed. PROJECT U-TURN
In 2000 Oswego County STOP-DWI, the Office of District Attorney and “COCOAA”, County of Oswego Council on Alcoholism and Addictions, developed an educational program for all drivers under 21 charged with alcohol related driving offenses. This program, titled “PROJECT U-TURN” is mandatory for all between the ages of 16 through 20, who have been charged with an alcohol related driving offense. The curriculum consists of 6 hours of instruction, presented by trained Alcohol Educators at “COCOAA”. Through agreement with the District Attorney this program must be completed BEFORE any Court Disposition is considered. The program's (one year) repeat offender level in now less than 1%. During the spring of 2003 the curriculum used with this program was certified by the New York State OASAS Office and to date continues to be an approved curriculum. Project U-Turn was also honored at the 2005 NYS Traffic Safety Conference and received the “L/Richard Novelli” Award for Educational Excellence. Although only partially related to STOP-DWI activities, the current “Project U-Turn” curriculum has been modified to allow local courts additional sentencing options for non-driving alcohol related offenses. These include Open Container Violations, and Possession With Intent To Consume. VICTIM IMPACT PANEL
Since January 2001, through the combined efforts of STOP-DWI, and the Oswego County Probation Department, the Victim Impact Panel is presented on a bi-monthly basis and takes in First Offenders from Local Courts along with referrals directly from Probation. Approximately 50 to 60 offenders attend each bi-monthly panel. Presentations are moderated by the STOP-DWI Program Coordinator. The panel consists of victims of DWI related crashes who reflect on their losses and the consequenses of Drunk Driving. The Oswego County Probation Departmnet oversees the county-wide Ignition Interlock Program (Leandra's Law). The Oswego County STOP-DWI Program works closely with the Oswego County Probation Dept. in monitoring and improving the plan. PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION
Two full time public educators from C.O.C.O.A.A. Program staff provide presentations before public, private and paternal groups. STOP-DWI Program staff has operated public information and education booths at public health fairs, corporate safety fairs, the Oswego County Fair, and other community events throughout the county. Since the spring of 2005, STOP-DWI and a coalition of area public safety agencies have presented “MOCK DWI” crash scenarios at local high schools. This presentation as developed not only contains the “Crash” but includes rescue, County Coroners Office, police accident reconstruction, death notification, defendant arraignment and lastly the funeral itself. School districts generally present the Mock Crashes bi-annually to students in their junior and senior years. PROGRAM OPERATION
The Oswego County STOP-DWI Program staff receives arrests packets from law enforcement agencies, enters information into the District Attorney's data base, and prepares necessary forms and paperwork to ensure the case is ready for prosection. Evaluation remains an integral part of the program administration to effectively coordinate program activities and to enhance the understanding of the program goals within all components of the Criminal Justice System dealing with DWI’s.
