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Local sheriff's department will begin publicly naming those arrested for drunk driving on Facebook

Posted at 12:09 PM, Aug 09, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-09 13:09:04-04

The Dodge County Sheriff's Department will begin naming and shaming anyone arrested for driving under the influence within the department's jurisdiction, officials announced.

Law enforcement officials have seen a significant increase of intoxicated drivers lately, prompting the new strategy.

The department hopes that putting offenders on notice will help deter a person's desire to drive while intoxicated.

Operating while intoxicated for the first time in Wisconsin is currently not a criminal offense.

The department posted an example of the new initiative on Facebook.

Disclosing the name of a person charged with a crime is legally allowed under public record in law Wisconsin.

"Those who violate the law will be held accountable," the department said.

Sheriff Dale Schmidt plans to begin the initiative before the end of August.