Galveston County Launches Anti-DUI Campaign

Galveston County law enforcement agencies said on May 19 that they are expanding drunk-driving enforcement ahead of the summer travel season, after officials reported a sharp rise in DWI arrests. Sheriff Jimmy Fullen used a press conference at the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office in Galveston to launch what officials described as a countywide anti-DUI campaign. The effort brings in local police departments, county constables, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said the campaign will be matched by tougher prosecution and round-the-clock access to warrants for blood draws in suspected intoxication cases. ### Why are Galveston County agencies escalating enforcement now? Galveston County officials said the campaign follows a 65% increase in DWI arrests over the first five months of 2026. KHOU reported that agencies announced the initiative as summer traffic builds around holidays and large events, with Memorial Day identified as an early focus. Tuesday’s announcement was framed as a warning to both residents and tourists. The Post Newspaper reported that police departments, constables’ offices and the Texas Department of Transportation said county residents and visitors “must be protected” from intoxicated drivers as enforcement increases. ### Which agencies are taking part in the campaign? (khou.com) Sheriff Jimmy Fullen appeared with Constable Blake Patton, Constable Paul Edinburgh, Constable Derreck Rose, Constable Justin West, District Attorney Kenneth Cusick, the Texas Department of Public Safety and MADD at the May 19 press conference, according to the event notice published by The Post Newspaper. The press conference was held at the sheriff’s office at 601 54th Street in Galveston. (thepostnewspaper.net) For the first time, county constables are expected to play a larger role alongside local police departments, the sheriff’s office and DPS, KHOU reported. Patton said enforcement would not be limited to late-night stops, adding that impaired-driving cases also occur in morning hours. ### What will drivers see on the road? Officials said the plan includes more patrols during heavy travel periods and around major events. (thepostnewspaper.net) KHOU reported that agencies will shift resources to put more deputies on the road during high-traffic times and will work with event organizers and alcohol-serving businesses to promote ride-share use and other alternatives. (khou.com) The Post Newspaper reported that Fullen was asked whether the sheriff’s office would use checkpoints and said they would be used if needed. The same report said officers stressed that drinking alcohol is not illegal, but driving while intoxicated is. ### What did prosecutors say would change? District Attorney Kenneth Cusick said his office would pursue “the highest level of prosecution for DUIs,” according to The Post Newspaper. (khou.com) KHOU separately reported that Cusick said repeat offenders should expect fewer plea deals and more jail time as part of a “heightened prosecution” approach. Galveston County’s district attorney’s office says it represents the state in criminal cases arising across the county, except misdemeanors filed in municipal courts, and that Kenneth A. (thepostnewspaper.net) Cusick is the county’s chief prosecutor. The county website also says prosecutors assist police agencies on legal aspects of criminal investigations. ### How does the blood-draw warrant piece fit in? (thepostnewspaper.net) Cusick said judges are available 24 hours a day to issue warrants for blood draws when a driver is suspected of being intoxicated, according to The Post Newspaper. That statement was presented as part of the county’s message that suspected impaired-driving cases will be pursued more aggressively. (galvestoncountytx.gov) The county already hosts a MADD victim impact panel through the district attorney’s office, according to the Galveston County website. That existing link between the prosecutor’s office and MADD was reinforced at the May 19 event, where MADD representatives and victim speakers appeared with law enforcement officials. ### Who did officials put forward to make the case? (thepostnewspaper.net) Mindy Red told the May 19 event that “one drink cost my daughter her life,” The Post Newspaper reported. Red said her daughter Michelle was 18 when she was killed in a head-on crash involving a driver who claimed to have had one drink. Charisse Thomas said her daughter Destani was also 18 when she was killed by a drunk driver at about 3 p.m. while driving home from high school, according to The Post Newspaper. (galvestoncountytx.gov) KHOU reported that MADD Executive Director Shirley Guzman also urged drivers to make a plan before drinking. Memorial Day travel is the campaign’s first major test, with deputies, constables, DPS officers and MADD participants now tied to the county’s summer enforcement push. (thepostnewspaper.net) Officials said the message to drivers is unchanged: use a designated driver, call a friend or use a ride service instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking.