Sheriff's Dept. sees increase in public drunkenness arrests

The Fallbrook Sheriff’s substation has seen a spike recently in arrests due to drunk in public incidents, which commander Lt. Robert Haley said "cannot be controlled."

“We typically get a call when people are on the ground, and may need medical attention, or are in such a state that they can no longer take care of themselves,” said Haley. “We have to take them in."

Haley stated that incidents of public drunkenness fluctuate. In a typical week of October 2010, three public drunkenness arrests were made. In September 2011, a typical week had four arrests made throughout town.

“We see stages,” said Haley. “The California Highway Patrol officers do a great job with drivers, and local businesses do a great job not selling to people who are already intoxicated. To make sure things are running properly, we run undercover operations every once in a while. But some people drink at home, then go out in public.”

Sheriff’s deputies typically are called out on public intoxication calls when an individual is walking around town, falling down, soliciting people for money, or not making sense when talking to others.

“Sometimes, people think that [the inebriated individuals] have mental health issues or might need medical care because of how they stumble around,” said Haley. “Deputies can also note when people are intoxicated, and can identify suspects through consensual contacts with people that they see are acting out of the ordinary, such as crossing the street and almost getting hit by a vehicle. When they do something of that nature, it becomes apparent to us that they can no longer take care of themselves.”

The public is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s office at (760) 451-3100 for non-emergency concerns or 911 with any emergency.

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