Jim Wells County launches coordinated no refusal DWI enforcement
On December 2 law enforcement officials announced a coordinated no refusal DWI enforcement period beginning December 11, accompanied by increased patrols across Jim Wells County. The effort aims to reduce alcohol related crashes during the holidays, an outcome that matters to residents because county crash records show a persistent local problem.
County and state law enforcement agencies announced on December 2 that they will increase patrols and begin a coordinated no refusal driving while intoxicated enforcement period starting December 11. The Department of Public Safety, Alice Police Department, and Jim Wells County Sheriff deputies will work together to step up patrols and make it easier to secure evidence in suspected impaired driving cases.
During the no refusal period officers who suspect impairment will be able to obtain warrants for immediate blood draws on the spot, a procedural change intended to reduce delays in collecting evidence. Officials emphasized that increased enforcement is timed to the holiday travel and celebration period because alcohol related crashes have historically risen at this time of year.
State crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation show Jim Wells County has experienced 155 alcohol related crashes since 2022, with 53 of those occurring within Alice city limits. Those figures framed the announcement and underscored the local stakes, since residents and visitors can be directly affected by crashes and heightened enforcement.
Sgt. Rob Mallory of the Department of Public Safety highlighted the severity of impaired driving statewide and urged residents to make safe choices as the holidays approach. Local advocates and community members who spoke with reporters also urged people to plan ahead, use alternate transportation when drinking, and make responsible choices so everyone gets home safely.
For Jim Wells County residents the enforcement period means a higher likelihood of traffic stops and a greater need to plan safe rides on nights when alcohol will be present. The coordinated effort may lead to more arrests and prosecutions, but officials framed the operation as a public safety measure to prevent injuries and fatalities. As patrols increase and no refusal procedures take effect, residents are advised to arrange sober drivers, use rideshare options when available, and allow extra time for travel during peak holiday nights.
