No Refusal Results and Upcoming No Refusal Event

The Austin Police Department's "No Refusal" events continue to take place during high traffic times and celebrations in town, and police say they are working.

Police held its 10th No Refusal for the weekend before Mardi Gras.  The program began in October of 2008.

APD reports 21 people ended up behind bars during the initiative over the weekend.  Seven people voluntarily gave breath tests, one person voluntarily gave a blood sample, one mandatory blood draw took place after the person refused to give a breath sample, and 12 search warrants were given for blood draws.

The Austin Police Department will enforce a “No-Refusal” initiative again on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.  The refusal program begins at 9 p.m. and ends at 5 o'clock the following morning.

Police say "the DWI initiative is an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe, and to conduct blood search warrants on suspects who refuse to give a breath or blood specimens as required by law."

The department says about half of last year’s traffic fatalities were alcohol related.  A release give to media said, "The Austin Police Department is focused on saving lives on the streets and highways
of Austin and making Austin roadways safe for everyone through education and enforcement."