Eddy County DWI Program
Cindy Sharif
Eddy County DWI Building 401 S. Main St. Carlsbad, NM 88220 Phone: 575-885-3328 Fax: 575-885-4190
Overview of the Eddy County DWI Program
The Eddy County DWI Program began in 1994. It serves all of Eddy County including Artesia, Carlsbad, Hope and Loving with a variety of programs.
Prevention:
The Eddy County DI Program uses model programs in its prevention efforts including Guiding Good Choices, Protecting You/Protecting Me and the Alcohol Literacy Challenge. We are piloting a Youth Prevention Program involving teens in the prevention process, educating and developing tomorrow's prevention specialists. We incorporate a variety of programs using all six of the CSAP prevention strategies.
Enforcement:
The Eddy County DWI Program funds office overtime efforts including Saturation Patrols and DWI Sobriety Check points. We also purchase equipment for the detection and prosecution of DWI offenders and underage drinkers. The Eddy County Sheriff's Department received the Governor's Superblitz Performance Award for 2010. The DWI Program staff visit sobriety checkpoints and take food and beverages to officers assigned to these projects as a show of support for their efforts. No grant money is used to purchase refreshments for these officers.
Screening and Assessment:
Screening and clinical assessment are provided by New Mexico Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors that are program staff or under contract.
Alternative Sentencing:
These programs are geared toward reducing the future behavior of impaired driving by the underage drinking offender in Eddy County. Consisting of a twenty hour boot camp type educational program and roadway cleanup community service projects, these programs give us the opportunity to intervene with this self identified at-risk population and provide consequences for underage drinking and increase awareness of the effects of alcohol on driving ability.
Treatment:
Twelve step outpatient group counseling for the DWI offender is held weekly in the evenings in both Artesia and Carlsbad. Services are available in Spanish and English, at no charge to the offender. We also offer Auricular Detoxification Treatment, provided in-house and at no charge.
Tracking:
Using a form developed in our office, we receive monthly updates on all DWI offenders. The tracking coordinator enters all updates in the Client Tracking Program resulting in effective, efficient and complete data entry. This information assists with identifying the demographic profile of the Eddy County DWI offender.
Coordination and Planning:
This component is central to the operation of our activities. It includes all required reports, financial oversight and grant writing efforts. The coordinator oversees all employees and contractors and monitors the delivery of services. The coordinator frequently interfaces with the Eddy County Commission, DWI Advisory Council and other agencies which is essential in evaluating services and making any needed adjustment to programs for more efficient outcomes.