The Hinsdale Police Department will be staffing additional patrol officers through July 6 as part of an Illinois Department of Transportation initiative to crack down on drunken drivers.

According to Hinsdale Deputy Police Chief Mark Wodka, IDOT provides grant funding to the Hinsdale Police Department and other participating Illinois law enforcement agencies to pay for additional patrol officers to staff the program, which began June 19 and concludes July 6.

Hinsdale takes part in seven holiday-theme IDOT campaigns throughout the year.

“Our officers support a zero tolerance practice in removing impaired drivers from the road,” Wodka said.

Any motorist suspected of being impaired — whether or not they prove to have an alcohol blood level higher than the legal limit — are subject to arrest, Wodka said.

“Because of our policy our officers are not allowed liberal discretion in administering tickets. If a motorist is suspected of drinking, we make a DUI arrest,” Wodka said.

Other traffic violations, such as speeding, will be enforced as well, Wodka said.

During the duration of the initiative officers dedicated to the program will work five-hour shifts in enforcing the program, Wodka said.

The department has taken part in IDOT random enforcement program since 2004, Wodka said, with focus on DUI beginning in 2006, Wodka said.

DUI charges have been filed against 22 motorists during the last three years: six in 2008, seven in 2007 and nine in 2006, according to statistics released by the Hinsdale Police Department.

Two-week holiday enforcement periods include Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas/News Years, the Super Bowl, St. Patrick’s Day, Memorial Day and Thanksiving.