Law enforcement increases patrols for holiday weekend

Millions of people are expected to hit the road this weekend – and law enforcement all over Missouri will be out to keep them safe.

The statewide Fourth of July Enforcement Campaign began July 2 and will go through July 5.

It’s an effort by local police, county sheriff’s departments, and state troopers to stop drunk driving, speeding, or other violations that could cause crashes.

Sgt. Brian Leer with the Boone County Sheriff’s Department said it is important to have a heavy police presence this weekend because injuries and fatalities from car crashes usually increases during holiday weekends. And Fourth of July usually proves to be especially dangerous because of the festivities.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be out every 20 miles on Interstate 70 and Highway 63 in Mid-Missouri, as well as several other major highways throughout the state.

They’ll be watching for any driving violations as well as assisting drivers who need it.

Columbia Police and the Boone County Sheriff’s Department will be partnering this weekend to conduct at least one sobriety checkpoint and DWI saturation patrols.

And Jefferson City Police will also conducting DWI patrols as well as enforcing parking around the city to ensure traffic safety.

All agencies will use overtime to get as many officers on the roads as possible.