Angela Brandt
Havre Daily News
abrandt@havredailynews.com
Hi-Line law enforcement will be beefed up for the New Year's weekend.
The Havre Police Department will have a safety spot check from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday. Assistant Police Chief George Tate said the location of the checkpoint will not be made public prior to the check, which will be staffed by six officers. The Hill County Sheriff's Department will work in conjunction with police on the check.
Sheriff Greg Szudera said as many deputies as possible will be on duty, and money has been set aside for overtime hours.
The Police Department normally has an extra patrol officer on duty during the weekend. That officer will be joined by another two officers as part of a program that allows for extra traffic patrol during peak times, Tate said.
Rocky Boy police Sgt. Alan Parisian said the department will have “saturation patrol” today through Monday, which means increased coverage on the reservation with all officers working overtime.
“We're out there all over the place,” Parisian said.
Rocky Boy police will hold a checkpoint on an evening sometime during the weekend. The location was not released.
“I ask that if you're going to drink, drink responsibly, designate a driver and buckle up because there is now a seat belt law in effect on the reservation,” Parisian said.
Free rides to and from taverns and parties will be provided by Havre Ford on New Year's Eve from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. The area covered will be from about the Beaver Creek Golf Course to the Saddle Butte area, said Steve Steinmetz, general manager of Havre Ford.
Volunteers will drive three vehicles from the Ford lot. Steinmetz said they will probably use two sport utility vehicles and a minivan. Call 265-1700 for a ride. Tips are accepted.
Town Taxi will have two vehicles on the road, doubling the usual number. The service, which is not free, will run 24 hours on Friday and Saturday. Weekend service will end at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
For a taxi ride, call 262-3378.
