GREEN BAY (NBC26) — Data from the Brown County Sheriff's Office shows the number of OWI citations is down, and has been decreasing for the past several years.
The numbers show OWI citations have dropped every year since 2017, with a nearly 33 percent decrease from 2017 to 2020.
The data is as follows:
- 2017: 716
- 2018: 584
- 2019: 563
- 2020: 480
Capt. Dan Sandberg, Brown County Sheriff's Office, said COVID-19 restrictions on restaurants and bars likely played a part in the lower citation numbers in 2020.
"People were, I think, still drinking, but they were just drinking at home instead is probably the biggest thing," Sandberg said. "We saw a definite reduction - especially through DOT stats - there's definitely a huge reduction in uses of the interstate, dropping 30, 40 percent at the time last year for usage. So that's definitely impacted it also."
Sandberg said a period of less focused OWI enforcement could be another factor for the lower citation numbers last year. He said the department put a grant for its OWI task force, which allows more deputies for OWI enforcement Thursday-Saturday, on hold at the beginning of the pandemic to help reduce spread of the coronavirus.
The grant returned last fall.
According to the Wisconsin County TSC Crash Mapping, there have been 61 alcohol-related crashes in Brown County this year. There are no reported fatalities.
Sandberg said it's not clear at this time what the numbers for OWI citations will look like in 2021. He said education, good engineering of roads and enforcement will help keep numbers down.
“There’s no excuse for people to be drinking and driving," Sandberg said. "Between Uber, Lyft, friends, family and SafeRide programs, or just walking, there’s no excuse for people to be drinking and driving.”
People who've received their fourth or fifth OWI citation might find themselves in Brown County OWI Treatment Court. There are currently between 30 and 40 people enrolled in the program.
"Some are just getting started. Some are in phase 2. Some are in phase 3. Some are in after care." said Judge John Zakowski, Brown County OWI Treatment Court.
Zakowski said the program started about two years ago. It's lead by a team of people within the system, such as case managers, probate agents and law enforcement.
After completing a jail sentence and paying off fines, those enrolled in the program need to participate in meetings with the court, have regular alcohol and drug testing, and start treatment with counselors and providers. Zakowski said group therapy is highly encouraged.
"It isn't easy," Zakowski said. "It's a lot of work and there are some people - I think when they started out there was a concern: Is this person going to make it? And that's what's been very rewarding, is they turned it around and they're going to be graduating.
Eleven people are set to be the first graduates from the program on May 21.
"They turned it around and they have a wonderful life in front of them now," Zakowski said.
The Brown County Tavern League offers a SafeRide program for people who've had too much to drink. Staff at a participating members' establishment can set that person up with a free ride to get home safely.
