The action, referred to as Operation Safe Crossing, aimed to block
those under 18 years old from crossing into Tijuana and to stop intoxicated people
returning to the U.S. from causing harm to themselves or others.
Recent research conducted by the San Diego-based Institute for Health Advocacy (IHA)
indicates that during the early morning hours on any average weekend night over 1,400
legally drunk drivers attempt to drive home from parking lots near the border after heavy
drinking in Tijuana bars. That research suggests that law enforcement and emergency
medical crews can anticipate over 4,000 legally drunk drivers (.08 for adults and .01 for
under 21 year olds) on New Year’s Eve - the heaviest drinking night of the
year. Last New Year’s Eve thousands of revelers crossed back into the U.S. at about
the same early morning time many of them bleeding, bandaged and vomiting giving the
appearance of "a war zone."
"Tonight is different! For the first time, a
multi-agency task force has been created to address this public health and safety problem
in a concerted, and consistent manner," said United States Attorney Alan Bersin.
"Binge and underage drinking in Tijuana are major contributors to our border
region’s overall violence. It is of paramount importance that we address it in order
to build a stronger and more vibrant region. I am encouraged by Tijuana’s efforts to
work towards positioning itself as a 21st century, world class city
and away from the image of its being a downtown drinking saloon for American teens,"
he added.
This New Years Eve, as part of Operation Safe Crossing, the
border area was heavily patrolled by federal, state and local police officers enforcing
California’s law preventing anyone under 18 years old from going to Tijuana without
their parent or guardian. They also enforced all of California’s drinking and driving
laws applicable to both those under 21, which does not allow any amount of alcohol, and
for those over 21, which allows up to .08% blood alcohol concentration.
"National research shows that the most effective means to
reduce DUI and teen drinking is high-visibility enforcement of existing laws for alcohol
and other drugs It becomes an extremely powerful tool when supported by the community,
" said San Diego Southern Division Police lieutenant Vince Villalvazo. "We are
not alone tonight, we are working with emergency medical experts teens and public health
advocates to tackle the alcohol-related problems such as motor vehicle crashes alcohol
poisoning, unwanted pregnancies, date rapes and transmission of sexually transmitted
diseases", he added. |