Next Tuesday, communities in southern Louisiana and Mississippi will celebrate the Mardi Gras holiday.
With this in mind, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting checkpoints throughout the county.
“As with any major holiday, there is an increase in alcohol consumption and drunk driving,” Lt. Joe Quave said. “We understand that there will be parade goers from our area and traveling through the county. We want to get anybody that is drinking and driving off the streets.”
The checkpoints will be held at various locations from Friday, Feb. 13 to Tuesday, Feb. 17 and will occur during the daytime and nighttime hours, Quave said.
Quave said the department will be utilizing extra deputies to conduct these checkpoints.
“All officer overtime will be paid for through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Office of Highway Safety,” Quave said. “If anyone knows they are going to consume alcohol, they need to have a designated driver.”
At checkpoints, sheriff’s department officers will be looking for driver’s licenses, signs of impairment and equipment violations, Quave said.
If anyone witnesses or suspects someone to be intoxicated, Quave asks that they report it to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department by calling 601-798-5528.
In the past, Quave said, the Item published several checkpoint preview stories.
“As a result, many members of the community will call us and suggest a checkpoint,” Quave said. “We appreciate the community’s input.”