‘Heavily staffed’: DUI enforcement at Clovis Rodeo

CLOVIS, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Clovis police officers are making sure rodeo fans have a fun and safe night at the Clovis Rodeo.

The Clovis Rodeo is a staple for the City of Clovis.

“We have an excellent crowd out here at the rodeo. A great crowd comes out,” Clovis Police Corporal Sean O’Brien said.

Rounding up rodeo fans to crack open a cold one and enjoy that rodeo life. Clovis police officers are making sure people steer clear of driving under the influence.

“Utilize ride share, family, friends,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien says this isn’t their first rodeo.

“In the past, we have arrested numerous drunk drivers,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien says this year so far has been calmer.

“Everybody’s been extremely cooperative, very few disturbances, very any issues that we’ve had to deal with,” O’Brien said.

There are extra officers every night watching for drunk drivers.

“All the things that come along with alcohol consumption are why we’re out here heavily staffed and encouraging everybody to have a good time,” O’Brien said.

Officers also teaming up with the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on the rodeo grounds.

“We have many officers out in uniform as well as in plainclothes assignments looking for minors in possession, people giving alcohol to minors, minors in possession of fake IDs,” O’Brien said.

He says people heading to Old Town after the rodeo should also be mindful of the roads.

“We encourage the public to watch out for traffic, use the appropriate crosswalks, and people not to drink and drive because there are a lot of people out walking around,” O’Brien said.