Local News Comments

Just because there are more DUI arrests doesn't mean there is more DUI taking place. It is more likely to be the police getting better at detecting people who are DUI. As also applies to the higher figure of moving violations.

Job well done.

Thank you Chief Stinson and all members of the Sonora Police Department.

I bet having the moving citations going from 397 to 731 helped out on the increase of catching the D.U.I and Drug arrest.

I am also glade that the Chief was able to add a few more officers lately.

Maybe that 1/4 of 1% tax increase was just enough to add to the ability to the City Police to be more effective.

Thank You

Joe Bucci

It seems that when you stop twice as many cars for moving violations,you will have twice as many D.U.I's. I think they are trying to justify that new Criminal compound and the new SPD hires. Otherwise why is there suddenly nearly twice the moving violations.I think they could double that number again if they stop more cars coming from the casino and stop the cars downtown after 12:00.

170 traffic collisions and only 13 involving someone under the influence? Seems they should maybe focus on the iPhones.

Who did the math???!!!!

Just as I suspected, most things are down except for... Yep, you guessed it, CAR ISSUES!

Limited on staff? TuCo has one the highest ratios of law enforcement to citizens in the whole state.

Specialized training?? Do you mean start pulling anyone on the road past 10:00pm over, instead of after midnight??

What should be included in the list of Sonora PD statistics is the yearly totals of the police departments refusal to respond to citizens legitimate complaints and to enforce city ordinances.What we have here is selective enforcement and a failure to protect and serve.

I see they didn't mention cell phone tickets? That is because they get away with it, right? How about going after those who don't get the message. This women/young girl darn near hit me 3 times in the rear because she couldn't stop texting. WOW! This county would pull a lot of money in if they gave more tickets to those who talk/text and drive! Then maybe they would get the message or at least some would and the county would get the reputation of not using them while driving or else... have a good day everyone!

DUI Accidents: 8 to 13 is a 63% increase, not "nearly half"
DUI Arrests: 54 to 112 is a 107% increase, not 50%
Drug Arrests: 60 to 152 is a 253% increase, not 50%
etc.,

The statistics I,d like to see is of all the DUI tickets given out in 2012, were those drivers speeding or weaving or just wrong place wrong time. If they were involved in a accident was it realy there fault or just easier to pin it on the person who had booze on there breath.I beleve DUI laws are mostly a money maker for the county,s and a scape goat for police investagation. I was told this by a retired CHP yrs ago when the DUI laws got tight. Back in the day DUI limit was .1.5 then .10 now .09 and .05-.08 the officer can try and pin it on you if he feels he has a case. You,ll never make me beleve a .09 has the same affect on every persons judgement!

it seems odd to me that burgleries are down because it seemed to be a horrible year for burgleries if you read the news of record regularly.

Instead of Gun control, maybe our fearless leader could ban cell phones operation in cars while the engine is running. Remenber don't drink and drive, smoke pot in drive.

Statistics can be very deceptive but since i am an expert in this field, let me point out 3 of these stats that are connected in a very important way. The first stat to look at is there is a huge increase in citations issued. The results of alot more traffic stops were the increase of DUI arrests and a few more people were made aware of thier bad driving and the accident rate went down. These particular stats will always work together this way whether in Sonora or in a real police dept.

Thanks crmdgn. I'm glad I wasn't the only person to notice the %'s were wrong.

It's only going to get worse.

@ravillataMrCommonSense
LOL!!!

@ henaults - I have witnessed people who can't stay in their lane driving under some kind of influence. I always call 911 but I am pretty sure the cops don't catch up with them. Having lost a family member to a drunk driver, I say however they are caught GET THEM OFF THE STREET! I love my family and friends and don't want to see another person I know killed for no reason.

We need better public transportation and cabs. And better common sense.

I thought rape ,robbery and violent crime were all going to drastically go up because of ab109? What happened? I know Mele was preaching that from the pulpit at all of the supervisor meetings. With his posse all in attendance telling us how he needed more money specifically because of ab109.

Historically, when the economy is in the tank, bars and liquor stores do well. So, the cops aren't doing a better job, there's more drunks driving. If we want to stop texting/talking on the cell phone while driving, let's start with the police/sheriff departments and enforce the law there. @Mountains: the policeman was too busy on his cell phone to notice the little law breaker behind you.

@Vexed: Thank you!!! You hit the nail on the head.

@Vote the Constitution: you're right and that's why people consider the police department less than efficient/motivated/effective/organized. I suppose if they tell the lie enough times, people will believe it.

A DUI is a DUI and I am pleased they are getting arrested. I agree a crackdown on cell phones and texting is needed, but it is also hard for law enforcement to catch someone in the act, unless they are in an unmarked car. It only takes a second or less for someone to yank a cell phone from their ear!

If it saves the life of my family I'm all for it. For those of you that don't like what's being done then wait till it's one of your loved ones that doesn't come home after that last drink. If only my son was caught he might be here today. If you drink and drive you should be fined as much as they can fine you. Maybe it's a life saver for you. Please don't do it. Call me I'll come and take you home or pay for the cab. Someone loves you too much to waste it.