Police Praise Oktoberfest Organizer's Hard Work as DUII Arrests Drop

Oktoberfest was a great success, thanks to the responsible drivers who kept it safe.

Photo: oktoberfest.org

(SALEM, Ore.) - DUII arrests made by Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers, Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies and Mt. Angel police dropped in comparison to previous years during 2008 Oktoberfest in Mt. Angel. Police agencies reported seven people were arrested for DUII, two of which involved individuals attending Oktoberfest activities. Last year officers reported 11 DUII arrests, ten involving people attending the event. During the 2006 Oktoberfest, officers arrested nine DUII drivers. Participating police agencies complimented the partnership involving organizers and law enforcement to help minimize the number of alcohol-related incidents. Oktoberfest DUII-related arrests have dropped significantly since the beginning of 2000 when 60 arrests were reported. "Record attendance numbers and the low problems associated with alcohol consumption and impaired drivers are reflective of the hard work by organizers to make this an event you will want to bring your family to each year," said Mt. Angel Police Chief Brent Earhart. For the second year in a row the new Mobile DUII Processing Center (MDPC) was kept on site to help police process arrested DUII drivers while getting officers back on the road.

The MDPC motor home is equipped with three Intoxilyzer Model 800 breath-alcohol testing equipment, work stations with lap tops and printers, and two temporary holding cells. The unit also has emergency supplies, cell phones and radio communications equipment.