Tulsa County Deputies Step Up DUI Patrols On St. Patrick's Day

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office has more deputies in downtown Tulsa because of St. Patrick's Day.

Tulsa County Deputy Chris Birch says he's looking for drivers who are driving too fast or too slow, forgetting their blinkers, or having slower reactions to stop lights.

On this St. Patrick's Day, Tulsa County Deputy Chris Birth says the public is lucky because of the increased patrols.

"That person that's getting pulled over and that is intoxicated is probably going to go to jail, unlucky for him but lucky for the public cause we are keeping the public safer," Deputy Birch said.

The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office, along with other law enforcement agencies, are stepping up to monitor the big crowds that are coming downtown to enjoy St. Patrick's Day.

Deputy Birch says this is his fourth time working the holiday.

"I'm hoping that all the people that we are out here trying to keep safe are making the right decisions and calling those Ubers calling those friends and parents and getting that safe ride home," says Birch.

The patrol started at 4 p.m. on Sunday and will last throughout the night, and Birch says so far everything has been calm and things are going better than expected.

"We've seen a lot of people responsibly driving ordering Ubers and not as many car stops as I'd imagine there to be," Birch said.

Drinking and driving isn't the only impairment deputies are looking for.

"A lot of people don't understand you can't smoke marijuana and drive. It's essentially the same as drinking, it's a DUI, you're going to go to jail and you're going to pay fines for it," said Birch.

Birch says those who are celebrating the Irish have no excuse not to make safe decisions.

"If you can afford to go out and pay these $12 beers you can afford a $20 Uber ride to the house," Birch said.