CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — DUI checkpoints, ignition interlock devices and designated driver programs are all in place to help discourage or prevent people from driving drunk. Now the Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office is using Facebook for the same purpose.
The Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office recently began posting mugshots of people arrested in the county for drunk driving.
“[We] began posting DUI arrest photos in January in an effort to bring awareness to impaired driving in our community,” Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Office Captain Donald Huff said.
After posting 22 DUI mugshots on January 21 and 12 mugshots on January 28, the Sheriff’s Office created a mugshot collage video for its latest entry. They plan to continue posting the photos and videos on Facebook every Thursday.
“The response from the citizens has been overwhelmingly positive,” Captain Huff said. “We hope that the practice of posting the photos will serve as an additional deterrent to driving while intoxicated.”
Several comments posted on the Chesterfield Sheriff’s Office Facebook page offered opinions on the practice.
“I understand these pics are public record, but consider the effect this can have on someone later acquitted,” a commented named Robbie posted. “Even if they get their record legally expunged, you’ve memorialized their arrest forever. Maybe mugshots should only be public record after conviction.”
A commenter named Donna disagreed.
“I’m all for public shaming,” she said. “I say [after the] first offense they should have a bright red license plate saying D-Driver. Keep bringing the mug shots.”
Police will be out patrolling Sunday for post-Super Bowl drunk drivers.
If attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a sports bar or restaurant:
- Designate your sober driver, or plan another way to get home safely before the party begins.
- If you don’t have a designated driver, then ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay in for the night.
- Use your community’s sober ride program, reserve an Uber ride, or take public transportation.
- Never let friends drive if they have had too much to drink.
- Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against drunk drivers.
If hosting a Super Bowl party:
- Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
- Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers in advance, or help arrange alternate transportation.
- Serve lots of food and include lots of non-alcoholic beverages at the party.
- Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter of the game and begin serving coffee and dessert.
- Keep the numbers for local cab companies handy, and take the keys away from anyone who has had too much to drink.
