The Corpus Christi Police Department, the Corpus Christi Fire Department, the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office and the Christus Spohn Health System delivered a safety message Friday afternoon from the front door of the Emergency Department at Spohn Memorial Hospital.

Corpus Christi Police Chief Floyd Simpson was one of the speakers in the afternoon message. Chief Simpson explained that Corpus Christi Police will have additional D.W.I. patrol for the New Year’s evening. Chief Simpson explained that six Police Officers will begin at 5:30pm to locate impaired drivers. The special patrol will continue until 3:30am or later as needed.

The Nueces County District Attorney’s Office has provided a phlebotomist to be available at the city detention center for the New Year’s holiday. An officer who arrests an impaired driver may have a blood specimen collected at the detention center rather than taking the prisoner to the hospital for the evidence collection.

Chief Simpson spoke about the Corpus Christi Police Officers who will be assigned to join the Corpus Christi Fire Department this holiday to identify and issue citations to those who ignite fireworks in the city in violation of the ordinance. Chief Simpson provided the reminder that fireworks are prohibited inside the Corpus Christi city limits.

Staffing has been increased this year for the New Year’s holiday. The Corpus Christi Police have adjusted officers schedules to provide 13 additional patrol officers (not including the additional 6 for D.W.I. enforcement) to work on the New Year’s holiday. Additional patrol supervisors have also been assigned to adjust their schedule to work on the New Year’s holiday.

Chief Simpson explained that the Corpus Christi Police Department and all emergency responders want everyone to have a safe holiday. Impaired driving and fireworks injuries are preventable, and staff will be available for emergencies and enforcement.