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Police Out In Full Force Over Memorial Day Weekend

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Law enforcement officers will be out in force over the Memorial Day weekend targeting motorists who drink and drive, drive too fast or who are just reckless.

The California Highway Patrol's "maximum enforcement period" is set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Monday.

CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow says all available officers will be on patrol.

"As the public heads out to enjoy quality time with their family and friends this holiday weekend, we want them to have fun and be safe," Farrow said. "When you get in the car, make the choice to buckle up and ensure your passengers are secured as well."

The enforcement period coincides with the 2011 "Click it or Ticket" seatbelt enforcement campaign, which continues through June 5.

"While it's encouraging that California's current seatbelt and child safety seat usage rates are at an all-time high, it's the goal of law enforcement to get motorists to buckle up every day, not just over the holiday weekend," Farrow said.

In addition, various law enforcement agencies throughout Los Angeles County will be conducting DUI checkpoints starting at 7 p.m. Friday. On Sunday at noon, Los Angeles police will begin an eight-hour DUI "saturation patrol" operation in the northeast area of the city.

Funding for DUI enforcement activities is provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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