Calgary's Holiday Checkstop Launches Festively

In a festive start to the holiday season, the Calgary Police Service launched its first holiday checkstop on Saturday night along Stoney Trail, near Tsuu T'ina Nation. Collaborating with members of Alberta Sheriffs, the RCMP, and Tsuu T’ina Nation police, officers conducted breathalyzer tests on motorists. Among those tested was a delightful surprise: Santa Claus himself!

Chief Neufeld's Excitement Over Santa's Visit

Calgary Police Chief Constable Mark Neufeld, who has dedicated over 33 years to law enforcement, expressed his excitement during the event, stating, "This is the first time in all my years of checkstops that I've seen Santa come through. We had to find out if he was on the naughty list or the nice list – and he’s definitely on the nice list!"

A Serious Message Amidst the Festivities

The checkstop was not just a festive event but also highlighted the issues of impaired driving, particularly during the busy holiday season. Chief Neufeld noted the added complexity of assessing impaired drivers due to the rise in cannabis use alongside alcohol consumption. "It's not just alcohol we’re screening for anymore; it’s various drugs, including marijuana, which poses its own challenges in terms of detection," he elaborated. Fortunately, our officers are highly trained and equipped to identify impaired drivers effectively.

Caution on Cannabis Edibles

Neufeld also offered a word of caution regarding cannabis edibles, which can have delayed effects. "If you’re experimenting with edibles, please do not drive," he urged.

Community Support for Impaired Driving Initiatives

The importance of the checkstop was underscored by Aaron Libby, president of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Calgary. He described the visibility of such initiatives as "huge," especially for victims and survivors of impaired driving. "This amplifies our common goal: to stop impaired driving," Libby commented. He mentioned the deployment of 39 officers on duty, the largest number he had observed in years, which resulted in approximately 1,200 breath samples being administered at two locations over the course of four hours.

Encouraging Safe Transportation Alternatives

Both Chief Neufeld and Libby encouraged everyone attending holiday parties to consider safe transportation alternatives such as cabs, rideshares like Uber, or designated drivers to ensure a responsible night out.

Looking Ahead to a Safe Holiday Season

As the holiday season approaches, this collaborative effort promises not only to encourage safer roads but also to spread joy and awareness in the community. Don't wait until it's too late – make sure you have a plan for a safe ride home this Christmas!