A few simple rules for tonight:
1) The most obvious, do NOT drive drunk or high. Every unit on patrol tonight will be looking for people driving while intoxicated. Yes, weed counts. Yes, we have DREs that are experts at determining what drug a person is on. (The DRE protocol is like 11 or 12 tests and they're pretty damn accurate, so odds are you cant beat them at it.) Uber, have a DD, get a hotel room, etc... Depending on where you live (ask your local agency), but some PDs and SDs will give you a ride home if you need one, have no other option, and call them. (That deal is null and void if they pull you over.) But, call from the bar, and they may help you out. Call them or ask them on FB today before you start drinking. You might be surprised at their answer. Us giving you a 20 minute ride is tying up a unit for less time than a 3 hour book in for a DUI, so its smart for us to give rides. I wish more agencies realized this. I like giving rides. Drunk people who arent under arrest are frelling hilarious and its usually fun.
2) Keep your hands to yourself. Fights are the #2 thing we deal with tonight. Domestics or fights at parties. If your spouse is on your nerves, frelling Uber over to a buddy's couch.
3) Do not shoot guns into the air at midnight. Its dumb and dangerous and bullets are expensive.
4) Downtown: Watch where you park. Drop a pin so you can find it later in the dark. Dont park in front of a hydrant or something that will get you towed. (We get a lot of stolen cars reported tonight that were just towed.) Dont leave visible valuables in the car, either.
5) Sadly, gotta say this - Dont set your drink down. Dont drink a drink you didnt watch opened or poured. If you set it down, its done. Pour it out and go get another. Leave with who you came with. Dont leave a drunk friend behind. Thats often how the trouble starts. 6) House Parties - turn down the music after the ball drops. Neighbors are understanding til 12, when calls for loud noise/music disturbances go up exponentially after midnight.
Hope everyone has a safe, happy and fun NYE. Hope everyone ends up tipsy, laid and police-free tonight.
