Berwick kicks off anti-DWI campaign with checkpoint

The Berwick Police Department and the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office are taking part in a campaign against drunk driving beginning Friday.

Berwick’s officers are kicking off the campaign with a DWI checkpoint from Friday night into Saturday morning somewhere inside the town limits.

Additional personnel from other local departments will lend a hand, the Berwick police said.

Officers will be looking for impaired drivers while checking for other violations, too.

Berwick Chief David Leonard reminds local people to choose a designated driver if you’re going to drink.

Leonard asked for patience from drivers while the checkpoint is in operation.

Local agencies participating in the campaign through the Labor Day weekend are asking for assistance in removing impaired drivers from the road.

“We are asking for the public’s help that if you see someone on our driving erratic or in a reckless manner, please give us a call,” the Berwick Police Department said. “We also ask the public that if you see one of our officers on the side of the road with a violator, remember to move over. It’s the law.”

The Louisiana Highways Safety Commission reported 68 DWI arrests in St. Mary Parish during 2020.