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Date: 5/3/2022
AMHERST – The Amherst Police Department (APD) was awarded an OUI Enforcement Achievement award by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the department announced on social media on April 27.
The post said the APD shared its 2021 statistics for Operating Under the Influence (OUI) arrests which helped them earn the award. APD made 117 OUI arrests that year, with officers Jack Sarnacki, Matt Frydryk, Katie Newell, Lindsay Carroll and Joe Worthley responsible for 89 of those 117, or 76 percent.
“We don’t have extra training, but our agency as a whole takes impaired driving detection very seriously,” said APD Chief of Police Scott Livingstone. “Our officers receive annual trainings on OUI detection and most recently additional training in determining drug impairment, specifically cannabis. We also are awarded grants annually from the State to pay officers overtime in being out on the streets at specific times and days to look exclusively for impaired operators.”
MADD Program Director and Public Policy Advocate Mary Kate DePamphilis has been with MADD for 10 years and said their ultimate goal is to eliminate the chance for more victims of drunk driving accidents. She says the organization advocates for planning out a sober driver before drinking and using rideshare apps, as well as legislative initiatives including interlock devices for first-time OUI offenders. MADD works towards mandated alcohol detection technology in all new vehicles and serves victims free of charge regardless of when the crash was.
“In addition to a department’s arrest numbers, we look at training programs, education they offer such as [Drug Recognition Expert] classes, and the overall culture of the department,” DePamphilis said of deciding who wins the award. “Currently at the APD, they have some new officers starting out their careers. The importance of OUI arrests and keeping impaired drivers off the road is highlighted as a priority. Maintaining safe roads in the community is an important issue to the APD because they understand that these arrests can save lives.”
Livingstone said the APD does not emphasize tracking college students or target any specific age group. He said the most common behavior that leads to a stop is running a red light, speeding, crossing the center line or sometimes being involved in an accident.
“The numbers of arrests for OUI fluctuate from year to year,” Livingstone said. “During COVID[-19] there were fewer bars and restaurants open so fewer late-night operators, thus fewer arrests. The students here in Amherst have free bus services pretty much anywhere in town so we do encourage they get used. Also, Uber and LYFT are used frequently in town. That being said, the OUI numbers have increased, so we need as an agency to continue to be vigilant in our detection.”
DePamphilis said, “We care about our victims and help them along their healing journeys, often time with them becoming a part of our MADD family working towards preventing other tragedies,” “We welcome any interested volunteers to contact MADD to see how they can become involved. We have various events and opportunities throughout the year and would love to grow our grassroots efforts throughout Massachusetts. Please email MA.State@madd.org.”