San Rafael PD Officer Hits 2013 Milestone

Officer Kevin MacDougald has a message for would-be drunk drivers:  if you get behind the wheel of a car, you will be caught.

MacDougald just made his 100th DUI arrest this year, according to San Rafael Police Department records, and he's showing no signs of slowing down.   To put this into greater perspective, his arrests account for about a third of the total DUI arrests made by the department in 2013.

Officer MacDougald said he does it because he likes it and because he takes pride in keeping streets safe.   One of his most recent captures involved a 24-year old who was driving the wrong way down a street at about 2:30 a.m.

That man was found to have a blood alcohol level of nearly twice the legal limit.

San Rafael PD supervisors have said other members of the department have taken notice to MacDougald's accomplishments and are stepping up their own efforts.   The officer has been honored by a number of groups including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and others.

Approximately 40 percent of his arrests are second time offenders, he said, and in 2013 alone, he's arrested at least two offenders more than once.

The DUI stops don't really get under his skin; it's just part of his job.  What does get him annoyed, however, is when a sober passenger is in the car.  Letting an intoxicated person get behind the wheel of a car just doesn't make sense- especially when the passenger hasn't consumed a drop.

Department officials have reportedly said that drunk driving arrests typically pick up during holiday periods.  This includes a slew of incidents that are now taking place on what the San Rafael PD has dubbed Blackout Wednesday, which is the day before Thanksgiving.

Those who are out drinking at the bars or who have attended in-home parties often over consume, some to the point of blacking out.
At the end of the day, MacDougald's message is simple.  Designate a driver or plan a safe way home.  Those who don't will be captured and sent to jail.