Queen Creek Police Chief discusses rising DUI rates at council meeting

The Queen Creek Town Council convened on April 17, 2025, for a budget meeting focused on public safety and community policing initiatives. The meeting began with a presentation from Police Chief Randy, who highlighted the department's efforts in addressing rising crime rates, particularly in relation to DUI incidents and traffic safety.

Chief Randy reported a 16% increase in licensed drivers involved in traffic incidents, emphasizing that this statistic does not include unlicensed minors operating vehicles. Council Member Benny requested further breakdown of these figures, particularly concerning micro-mobility users, which Chief Randy agreed to provide in the coming days.

Council Member Padilla expressed concern over the increase in crime but acknowledged the positive impact of the police department's proactive measures. He commended the alignment between the council and the police department's goals, noting the importance of community safety. The chief responded by discussing the challenges of rising DUI rates, which have increased by 62%. He explained that while these numbers may seem alarming, they indicate that officers are effectively identifying impaired drivers, contributing to a decrease in serious traffic accidents.

The chief outlined strategies for enhancing DUI enforcement, including education campaigns and specialized training for officers to recognize signs of impairment beyond alcohol, such as drug use. He noted the importance of having trained personnel on the streets to address these issues effectively.

The meeting also touched on the town's financial management, with council members praising the conservative budgeting approach that has resulted in significant tax savings for residents. Over the past three years, the town has managed to freeze taxes, saving constituents over $10 million.

As the meeting concluded, council members expressed gratitude for the police department's efforts and the collaborative approach to budgeting. The council plans to continue discussions on the budget and public safety initiatives in future meetings, with the next regular town council meeting scheduled for 6:30 PM.