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DUI Strike Team cracking down on impaired drivers in Las Vegas valley

Posted at 10:27 PM, Dec 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-12-13 02:15:10-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The Nevada Highway Patrol and Las Vegas Metropolitan police are joining forces and stepping up enforcement against drunk drivers.

In the past year, the valley has seen more cases of impaired drivers on the roadways - including a recent tragedy where an 8-year-old was killed by a woman allegedly driving under the influence at more than 100 miles per hour.

In addition to posting social media videos and requiring interlock devices after DUI convictions, authorities' latest effort involves a DUI Strike Team.

The team consists of seven officers assigned explicitly to look for impaired drivers and stop them before possibly causing a collision. 

The officers have a DUI truck that serves as a one-stop shop for testing and booking during checkpoints.

Also, 'Ghost wrapped' squad cars are a part of the enforcement - allowing the strike team to blend in until the lights and sirens are used.

The team launched in late October and has reportedly already had a lot of success.

As of Wednesday, the team has caught 150 alleged impaired drivers around the valley, according to police.