Father Of Fallen Officer Kicks Off Drunk Driving Campaign

ROCKVILLE, MD – Timed to the start of the heavy road travel Memorial Day weekend, the father of fallen Montgomery County Police Officer Noah Leotta announced a new initiative taking aim at local judges who don’t "properly punish" drunk drivers.

At a news conference held Tuesday, the group announced the launch of “Noah On Patrol” to step up police enforcement of drunk driving while monitoring local judges’ sentencing of drunk drivers.

The goal of the initiative is to make Montgomery County the first major jurisdiction in the nation to eliminate drunk driving.

NoahOnPatrol.org will monitor courts to put pressure on judges who let drunk drivers off with little-to-no consequences, the group said.

Rich Leotta, Noah’s father, said judges routinely place first-time DUI offenders on probation, and "thereby skirt the Drunk Driving Reduction Act of 2016, commonly known as Noah's Law."

"That law, passed in 2016, requires installation of ignition interlock devices for all convicted drunk drivers, but not for offenders put on probation," a statement said. "Judges’ routine slaps on wrists are a source of great frustration for police officers making DUI arrests — often at great risk to themselves — who feel their enforcement of Noah’s Law is frequently undermined in court."

SEE RELATED:

• Drunk Driver Who Killed Officer Noah Leotta Receives Maximum Sentence
• Georgia Avenue Section Dedicated to Fallen Police Officer Noah Leotta
  
• Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty in Montgomery Officer's Death

Leotta said having to blow into an alcohol detector before starting a car saves lives.

“Our judges need to ensure that all drunk driving offenders are required to install ignition interlocks to protect themselves and everyone they share the road with," Leotta said.

In addition to its efforts to keep judges accountable, the 18-month initiative will:

• Publicize stepped up enforcement of drunk driving laws, especially during higher risk periods.
• Bring renewed attention to the costs and consequences of drunk driving, and the personal pain and suffering of victims and their families, including first responders.
• Urge those who choose to drink to routinely use ride services and designate non-drinking drivers.

The CDC reports that a drunk-driving offender has driven drunk on average 88 times before getting caught.

Photo of Officer Noah Leotta