Curry awarded $550,000 for DWI program

Jun. 25—Curry County is set to unveil its revamped DWI program at the Judge Reuben E. Nieves Courtyard at 9:15 a.m. today.

The courtyard is at the corner of East Eighth and North Main streets.

The revamping, set to take place with the 2025 fiscal year, features a new campaign slogan and a slew of new tools — all of it aimed at decreasing the amount of incidents stemming from driving while intoxicated, alcohol-related domestic violence and underage drinking, according to Brittany Carlock, the manager of the DWI program.

"I don't want to say DWI has gotten worse in Clovis, but it's definitely something we haven't gotten to zero. Obviously, that's the goal," Carlock said.

The slogan will change from "be above the influence" to "think twice, drive wise."

"That will be solely unique for our county," Carlock said.

The revamping will be funded with $550,000 from New Mexico's DWI program. Carlock said money is allotted each county, based on its size. This year Curry County received an atypically large amount, she said.

The new equipment includes an LED trailer. Carlock said it's massive and will offer a reminder to not drive while intoxicated. She likened it to a traffic sign that's announcing a road closure. It'll be placed at times and in locations where there could be an increased number of intoxicated drivers — prom night or near a popular restaurant that serves alcohol, for example.

Carlock said the sheriff's office will also be receiving new flashlights that make it easier to spot open containers of alcohol inside vehicles.

"In New Mexico, we've had a pretty high prevalence of driving while intoxicated ... (so) it's to try to kind of hold people accountable within New Mexico and to try to solve an issue," Carlock said.