By adding 190 man-hours in 2001, the DeKalb Police Department was able to issue 430 additional citations.

This was done through what the department calls “Target Patrol.” Target Patrol began in 1987 with the purpose of increasing enforcement of DUI, traffic and alcohol-related violations during peak hours of work, mainly between 11:30 p.m. and 3:30 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The department tries to schedule overtime every week for officers who want to help out during busy times. The patrol receives funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The department traditionally has received a high amount of calls between those hours of the week, so assistance is appreciated, said DeKalb Police Chief Bill Feithen.

“A DUI arrest can tie up an officer for a few hours,” Feithen said. “It helps if the regular street patrol needs assistance for someone to be there.”

Many communities have similar types of patrols that are funded by the department of transportation to help increase street patrol on nights when there may be unsafe drivers out, Feithen said. It’s all in an effort to make the city safer, and not necessarily an attempt to issue more tickets, he added.

“If there are drunk drivers out there, then we would like to see the number of arrests increase,” Feithen said. “But if people are paying attention to warnings, and drinking less, or using designated drivers, it would be nice to see our arrest numbers lower.”

This past fall, the patrol gave special attention to the Greek Row area. They sent out special teams in response to concerns of underage drinking and disorderly parties in the area. What resulted were 275 alcohol violation citations.

It shows it to be an effective program, Feithen said.

“There are obviously busy times when assistance is needed,” Feithen said. “This is an effective use of man power and tax dollars.”