CPD plans DWI enforcement ahead of busy weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Police Department will have increased DWI enforcement as Downtown Columbia prepares for a busy weekend.

Downtown Columbia is expected to be busy as Columbia residents hit the town to celebrate Cinco De Mayo. University of Missouri Students will also be out of class Friday for the school's Reading Day and those who are graduating will participate in the annual "senior sendoff."

According to a Facebook post from the police, CPD will have an increased presence looking for those who may be driving while intoxicated.

In the post, CPD asks that you, "do not get behind the wheel if you're impaired by alcohol or other substances."

The department asks that if you are planning on drinking, you, "make plans early to secure a ride with a ridesharing app, have a designated driver or ask a friend or family member to pick you up."

During Tuesday night's City Council meeting, CPD's Assistance Police Chief Matt Stephens told council members that the department will be using grant money to cover the cost of officers working overtime.

"There's going to be two different grants that we're going to be running at the same time," said Stephens. "So one of them's the DWI grant, the other one the Underage Drink grant."

CPD also asks residents to say something, "if you see friends or family intending to drive while impaired."

"I think it's really important to make sure that you don't drink and drive," MU student Madison Mitchell said. "That's really dangerous and it can cause a lot of accidents."

MU's senior activities begin 1:30 p.m., with check-in beginning 11:30 a.m. at the Francis Quadrangle. Students will receive a wristband to obtain one free beverage. In the event of rain, the senior sendoff will be held on Saturday.