Amarillo police report sharp rise in DWI arrests as enforcement efforts increase

The Amarillo Police Department reports that driving while intoxicated continues to be a major public safety issue in the city, with officers seeing a significant rise in enforcement activity compared to last year.

Preliminary data from APD indicates that DWI arrests are nearly double the number recorded at the same point in 2025. Officials say the increase reflects both heightened enforcement efforts and a more focused policing strategy aimed at removing impaired drivers from the road before crashes occur.

A key factor behind the rise is the department’s dedicated DWI Unit, which was created to concentrate specifically on impaired-driving enforcement. Officers assigned to the unit undergo specialized training in advanced DWI detection techniques as well as drug recognition evaluations, allowing them to identify a wider range of impairment cases beyond alcohol alone.

Rather than responding only after collisions occur, the unit actively patrols city streets looking for driving behavior consistent with intoxication. This proactive approach is designed to intervene earlier in the process, preventing crashes that can lead to serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage.

According to APD public safety messaging, the shift toward proactive enforcement is intended to reduce the number of impaired-driving incidents by stopping high-risk drivers before they cause harm. Officials emphasize that this strategy also helps reduce the strain on emergency responders who would otherwise be called to crash scenes involving intoxicated drivers.

Chaz Garrison, who works with APD’s DWI Unit, has noted that arrests have climbed sharply during the current enforcement period, reflecting both increased patrol presence and a stronger focus on DWI detection across the city. The department also reports that impaired driving is not confined to weekends or late-night hours, with arrests occurring at various times throughout the day.

As seasonal celebrations and holiday gatherings approach, APD is encouraging residents to plan ahead for safe transportation if they intend to consume alcohol. The department points to rideshare services, taxis, designated drivers, and other alternatives as effective ways to avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired.

Carla Burr, a public information officer with APD, emphasized that officers will continue active DWI enforcement and that community members play an important role in prevention by making responsible choices before drinking begins.

Officials also encourage residents to report suspected impaired drivers when they observe unsafe behavior on the road, noting that timely calls to law enforcement can help prevent potential crashes and improve overall roadway safety throughout Amarillo.