Grant allows Jackson PD to boost DWI patrol

The Jackson Police Department plans to boost its on-duty patrol March 12 through 14 after receiving a grant from the Missouri Department of Transporation Highway Safety Division to help keep motorists from drinking and driving.

The grant, given to the department on an annual basis, covers costs for officers to work overtime hours, said Lt. Chris Mouser.

"This weekend is basically designated as St. Patrick's Day weekend," Mouser said. "We're expecting more traffic and hopefully trying to keep those who drink while impaired off the road."

In Missouri, a driving-while-intoxicated conviction can result in a license suspension of up to 30 days. A second DWI conviction is punishable up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine and license revocation. A third conviction can result in up to seven years in jail. With any conviction, car insurance is often difficult to obtain and coverage rates are significantly higher for DWI offenders, according to MoDOT.