East Texas

Law enforcement officers will be out in force to get drunken drivers off roadways this Labor Day weekend and will not accept "no" from those who refuse a breathalyzer test.

Police Chief Gary Swindle announced Wednesday that state and local agencies in Smith County are uniting in the "No-Refusal DWI" campaign.

If a motorist refuses to take a breathalyzer test, officers will immediately obtain a warrant from a judge to have blood drawn from the suspect at Smith County Jail, Swindle said.

The campaign running from Friday through Monday is intended to send a "clear message" that DWIs will "not be tolerated," said the chief, who was joined by about a dozen officers and prosecutors during a news conference at Tyler Police Department.

Swindle said the drive, which also includes putting more units on the streets and in boats on lakes, will help obtain evidence needed for prosecution.

No matter where one is in Smith County, a law officer will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, he emphasized.

Last year, 25 DWI cases were filed with the Smith County district attorney's office during the Labor Day holiday, according to information from Tyler PD.

Updated Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. CDT