Crime & Safety

Ellington Police Looking to Increase DUI Checks in 2014

The town is poised to receive a grant from the state that will go toward paying fo more police patrol hours on holidays and weekends.

Ellington police want to crack down on drunk driving and — thanks to some potential funding from the state — local authorities plan on doing that in the coming months.

The Board of Selectmen approved on Monday a $45,000 state grant that would go toward employing more police during weekends and holidays strictly for the purpose of setting up DUI checks and patrolling Ellington for drivers who are operating under the influence.

The grant is available through the Department of Transportation and the town will be responsible for 25 percent of the cost, amounting to $11,250, while the state picks up the rest of the tab at $33,750, explained Ellington State Trooper Sgt. Patrick Sweeney.

Sweeney noted that during the summer hours, Ellington police would be increasing patrols from Thursday evening to Saturday evening and the police would be keeping an eye out for underage drinking as well. 

The funding still needs the official approval from the Board of Finance, however Sweeney noted that it is more of a formality because the town's portion of the funding had already been appropriated in the Ellington municipal budget.

This is the second year that Ellington has applied and received this grant. 


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