Beresford approves participation in federal DUI overtime program; police report shows higher service calls

The BEREFORD City Council voted to participate in a federal DUI overtime program that will reimburse 80% of overtime costs for targeted DUI enforcement, with the city covering the remaining 20%.

Police Chief (identified in the meeting as the department head) presented the 2024 department report, saying the force handled 3,178 calls for service in 2024 — an 11.5% increase from the prior year — and described changes in crime categories and traffic enforcement. The chief said traffic stops totaled 1,395, arrests numbered 105 and citations totaled 517 in 2024. The department also reported increases in DUI numbers and described the department’s use of federal speed-overtime funding in the prior year.

Under the newly approved federal DUI overtime program, the federal share will cover equipment and costs used specifically for DUI enforcement — the chief cited portable breath testers (PBTs) and coverage for in-park enforcement as examples — and the city will front wages and be reimbursed quarterly. The chief told the council the department would not request additional equipment under the grant this year because of recent purchases and therefore anticipated no immediate city equipment cost.

Council discussion included suggestions to better document outreach work and community engagement that the department conducts (school contacts, bike rodeos and public safety events) to show the link between presence and crime reductions. The council approved the grant application and the mayor announced the motion carried; no roll-call tally was stated in the record.