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Educating on and deterring DUIs

By Airman 1st Class Kristoffer Kaubisch, Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs / Published September 26, 2013

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MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- This is the second story in a 3-part series focusing on DUI prevention initiatives at Minot Air Force Base

Anyone who drives out the Main Gate at Minot Air Force Base can see how many days it has been since the last arrest of an Airman driving under the influence.

As of Sept. 21, the last arrest surpassed 50 days.

It's not a glamorous trend to discuss; however, it is a fact that the number of incidents involving Airmen driving under the influence has been on a steady decline each year with the average number being 42 a year. According to the 5th Security Forces Squadron, the total number of DUI incidents so far this year is 17; down 73 percent from five years ago when the numbers were at a decade-record high of 62 DUI incidents.

Efforts to raise awareness have been in full force. 5th SFS law enforcement section, 5th Medical Group's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, and legal office have partnered together with off-base law enforcement to raise education in an effort to prevent DUIs.

Although each agency plays a crucial role in educating Airmen on the consequences of DUIs, the 5th SFS has worked tirelessly in an effort to prevent them, said Senior Airman Leon Cummings, 5th SFS senior patrolman.

A large focus for the 5th SFS is increasing patrolling during high peak traffic times and following base events at the installation, explained Cummings.

To deter drunk driving, every Friday and Saturday night, the 5th SFS configures a serpentine maze at the Magic City Gate outbound lane. If a driver strikes a cone or cannot successfully maneuver their vehicle through the serpentine, officers will stop the vehicle and investigate the possibility of the driver being under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substance.

According to Investigator Scott McNeil, 5th SFS drug recognition expert, security forces personnel helps the Office of Special Investigations with Operation Nighthawk, a random base checkpoint designed to look for drugs and contraband. Using military working dogs, the 5th SFS has the ability to detect a robust number of different drugs. The K-9 Unit at Minot AFB periodically conducts walkthroughs at the base dormitories randomly as well.

According to Investigator McNeil, the most common drugs that are abused on roadways are marijuana and narcotic painkillers.

Even though the 5th SFS has various initiatives to keep alcohol and drug intoxicated drivers off of the road, prevention through education is key.

One technique to raise awareness involves using a drunk-driving simulator, which provides individuals insight into alcohol impairment. During the months of August through September of this year, a DUI simulator was brought here from Grand Forks AFB, N.D., for Airmen to try.

Another means of educating Airmen of the adverse effects of alcohol involves a road course. While wearing special goggles and driving a golf cart, Airmen must attempt to navigate the course without hitting cones.

Witnesses calling base or local authorities of a potential drunk driver have also been effective in reducing DUIs on and off-base. If individuals witness a possible DUI on or off-base, they should call the Law Enforcement Desk at 723-3096 to let them know of the location, vehicle and driver description.
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