Outlaw governor to unlawfully use military for DUI enforcement!

CHEYENNE, Wyoming (PNN) - October 2, 2011 - In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, F.E. Warren Air Force Base will collaborate with state and local governments and law enforcement to cut down on underage and irresponsible drinking, officials announced Tuesday.

The $300,000-per-year program, funded with federal dollars, will step up education and enforcement efforts to combat alcohol use among minors and abuse among adults, Governor Matt Mead said at a State Capitol press conference alongside Cheyenne Police Chief Brian Kozak and Col. Christopher Coffelt, commander of the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren.

“Wyoming has a problem with arrests and alcohol-related arrests,” said Mead. “We have too many ( underage children) who are using alcohol, and frankly, we have too many adults who are using alcohol (irresonsibly). That is a detriment to the state of Wyoming.”

The program, which is an expansion of a similar effort at F.E. Warren, will look to find the best ways to educate people about the dangers of drunken driving, underage drinking and drinking to excess.

State, local and military police will also work together under the program to crack down on drunk people who disobey the law, even though federal law prohibits the use of military personnel in any civilian areas.

Governor Mead failed to acknowledge the illegal aspects of this program; federal law prohibits the use of military personnel in civilian areas.

Coffelt said that on Halloween, a “huge contingent” of police officers will be out on patrol, looking for drunk drivers and underage drinking. In addition, “party posses” composed of volunteer residents will attend parties, along with other places where underage drinking is likely to take place, in order to spot and report offenders.

“We want the message out there: zero tolerance,” Coffelt said. “We’re not going to put up with people driving on our streets (if they are) impaired by alcohol or drugs.”

While initially limited to Cheyenne, the program - if successful - would serve as a model for similar efforts elsewhere in Wyoming, Mead said.

The Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs provided funding for the three-year project.

Ed. Note: Notwithstanding the fact that the Posse Comitatus Act prohibits the use of military personnel in civilian areas.

Call Governor Matt Mead to VOICE your concerns over this unlawful use of the military!
307-777-7434