Columbia and Jefferson City police increasing patrols on Thanksgiving Eve
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia and Jefferson City police are asking people to make plans for a safe and sober ride home when celebrating Thanksgiving eve festivities.
Columbia Police will have extra officers work over the next several days with additional officers assigned to Hazardous Moving Violation enforcement on I-70 as well as burglary suppression patrols over the holiday.
Several officers will also be on foot patrol and conducting community-oriented policing.
CPD wants people to think ahead and make plans for a safe ride home if they decide to consume alcoholic beverages.
CPD said there are many rideshare options available, which include taxi services, public transportation, or having a designated drunk driving.
The department asks anyone who sees unsafe or hazardous driving to call 911 with a good description of the vehicle.
Jeff Pitts, spokesman for the Columbia Police Department, said people need to speak up if their friend or someone they know is showing signs of overdosing or alcohol poisoning. Pitts said the Good Samaritan Law protects people who call 911 to report an overdose or poisoning, from arrest & prosecution for possession of drugs or paraphernalia.
The Jefferson City Police Department is joining national, state and local highway safety and law enforcement officials this Thanksgiving, and strongly encourages all holiday travelers, passengers and drivers to buckle up.
JCPD will have additional officers out on duty on Thanksgiving Eve and over the weekend looking for impaired drivers.
The department said it is important for residents celebrating the holidays to not drive impaired and plan for a sober driver or rideshare service.
JCPD asks anyone who sees suspicious activity to immediately contact the Jefferson City Police Department at 573-634-6400 or Crimestoppers at 573-659-8477 For all emergencies, call 9-1-1.
