Local officials beef up St. Patrick's Day patrols

CANFIELD — There will be an active presence by law enforcement on the roadways as Valley residents celebrate St. Patrick's Day this weekend.

Many officers from participating agencies of the OVI (operating a vehicle impaired) Task Force gathered in Canfield this morning.

"It's truly a collaborative effort," said Scott Weamer, Canfield assistant police chief.

He announced that since this year's grant began in October there have been 34 OVI arrests, 10 felony arrests and 76 driving under suspensions, on top of seat belt infractions.

"There's an ancillary benefit to us being on the roads," Weamer noted. "That's good for the community."

On top of a checkpoint in Mahoning County Saturday, Weamer said police will have a presence on roads on St. Patrick's Day itself, Tuesday.