Because even one impaired‑driving death is one too many, the Tacoma Police Department is boosting its commitment to making our streets safer. This week the Tacoma Police Department will begin increased patrols to reduce impaired driving-related crashes through proactive, data-driven enforcement and community engagement.
Made possible through a High-Visibility Saturation Patrols grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, City of Tacoma leaders hope the increase in DUI patrols will prevent fatal and severe crashes across the city. In 2025, 573 DUI offenses (liquor or drugs) were recorded within Tacoma.
“The safety of Tacoma’s residents is paramount,” Mayor Anders Ibsen said, “This is one of many steps that the City and Tacoma Police are taking to restore a sense of security in our neighborhoods, and to be better responsive to residents’ concerns. Expect more developments this year during the City budget process.”
In 2020, the Tacoma City Council committed to Vision Zero (Resolution 40559), with the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the City of Tacoma by 2035. With our mission to create a safe and secure environment in which to live, work, and visit by working together with the community, the Tacoma Police Department is a key partner in making Vision Zero a reality, and increased DUI patrols are one part of this community safety work.
“As we near full staffing levels, we’re able to innovate and better serve Tacoma,” Chief of Police Patti Jackson explained, “This Washington Traffic Safety Commission grant should help every neighborhood feel an increased sense of safety.”
The $215,156.00 grant enables the Tacoma Police Department to:
- Conduct proactive DUI enforcement seven days/nights per week, with emphasis on high-risk timeframes (evenings, weekends, and late-night hours).
- Focus on drug-impaired driving, including THC and poly-drug use, in addition to alcohol-related DUIs.
- Utilize available data systems (SECTOR, RMS, WTSC dashboards) to guide enforcement activity.
Additionally, officers will participate in community outreach efforts, such as school events and public education opportunities, and support social media and public messaging efforts.