During 2000, 961 arrests were made for Driving While Intoxicated on Chautauqua County highways. Of these arrests, 164 were felonies and 797 were misdemeanors.  The total number of arrests shows an increase of 6.5% from 1999 when there were a total of 902 arrests.

The Chautauqua County Sheriffs Office made 419 arrests for Driving While Intoxicated, an increase of 32.6% from 1999. Of the arrests made by Sheriffs officers, there were 48 felony arrests.  Six people were arrested for Driving While Ability Impaired By Drugs.  The number of Zero Tolerance detainments increased 300%, from four in 1999 to 12 in 2000.  The average blood alcohol concentration for those arrested was a .16%.  Forty-one individuals refused to submit to a chemical test to determine their blood alcohol content and had their drivers license suspended.

The STOP DWI Patrol made and/or assisted with 212 of the total arrests.  In addition to the arrests that were made, the officers completed ten drug recognition evaluations for the Sheriffs Office as well as assisting with other County agencies. The DWI Patrol continued to participate in the ongoing New York State Safe and Sober Campaign in 2000. In addition to the enforcement role of the DWI Patrol, they continued to work on prevention efforts. They assisted in presenting 5 DWI mock accidents to County High School Students. An ongoing effort has continued to make presentations to Chautauqua County Drivers Education programs regarding the hazards of Drunk and Drugged driving. The DWI Patrol continues to support the DARE program and made several presentations to area Elementary and Middle Schools.  A week of instruction was conducted for the Chautauqua County Sheriffs Academy on the effects of alcohol on the body and the proper administration of standardized field sobriety tests.