Tempe police warn students to be safe, drunk drivers will be arrested

TEMPE, AZ - Police officers in Tempe are planning a “Back to School” crackdown on crime, and are going to spend the next few weeks getting their message out to students and parents: don’t violate the law.

“It’s the one time of year that we have a predictable event where we can reach as many people as possible,” said Commander Kim Hale.

Tempe officers are warning incoming students to Arizona State University, and anyone else for that matter, that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be tolerated.

“For us, the biggest problem tends to be alcohol abuse,” said Alberto Gutier, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Gutier took ABC15 on a tour of the vehicle that will be used during checkpoints in Tempe.

A warrant to draw someone’s blood, when he or she refuses to take a breathalyzer, can be obtain within minutes, Gutier said.

Tempe police are hoping new college students will remember to have a plan in place when going out for the night.

“Only you can keep yourself safe,” said Detective Susan Schoville. “You can’t rely on somebody else to do it.”

Theft and assaults also pose a risk to newcomers who are unfamiliar with their surroundings.

“Over the summer you went out and bought the new laptop—be smart—don’t leave it on the table unattended,” said Lieutenant Kerby Rapp.

Officers also warned driver’s about reduced speed limits in school zones that will take effect again.