Northland Police will be out in force on the roads and streets this weekend in an effort to reduce the harm caused by alcohol abuse.
The patrols are part of Operation Unite, a joint operation between New Zealand and Australian police to target alcohol harm.
The operation runs from 6pm to 6am on Friday and Saturday nights, which are the risk times for alcohol intoxication requiring police and other agency intervention.
During this time staff from Traffic Alcohol Group (TAG), Highway Patrol, Bream Bay, Dargaville, Whangärei CIB and Youth Services, Mid and Far North will be carrying out preventative activities.
These will include checking licensed premises and party venues, carrying out foot patrols, and holding compulsory breath testing checkpoints.
Northland Road Policing Manager Inspector Clifford Paxton says one of the focus areas for this year's operation is the harmful impacts of alcohol on young people.
"We have some of our Youth Services staff working this weekend to focus on young people, in particular those are under age."
"Alcohol abuse has a major harmful affect on our young people and communities and we need to make sure that Northlanders are protected from the harm and that we don't have more victims of violence or crashes caused by alcohol."
One of the initiatives that Northland Police has introduced to prevent drink driving is being used during Operation Unite.
The TAG Alcohol and Drug Helpline Project, which is being run in conjunction with Northland Health, began two weeks ago.
Each person who has identified as having a positive breath alcohol test is given an Alcohol and Drug Helpline Card and ALAC "Drink Check" pamphlet.
They are offered the opportunity to be referred to the Helpline and, with consent, the Helpline will provide a counselling service over the phone.
If necessary they can be referred to an alcohol and drug counsellor.
During Operation Unite police staff will be handing out the cards and pamphlets to every offender affected by alcohol.
Since the project came into force nearly half of those stopped for drink driving have taken up the offer for the Helpline counselling.
Mr Paxton says police and Northland Health would like to get that number higher.
"Northland Police and Northland Health are looking for opportunities to prevent drink drivers from getting behind the wheel.
People who drink alcohol and then drive are putting themselves and others at risk and it is much better to stop this from happening."
For further information contact Northland Police Communications Officer Sarah Kennett on 09 430 4525 or 027 494 1214.