Get paid for tips leading to DUI arrests

The Buffalo Grove Police Department is continuing a partnership with Alliance Against Intoxicated Motorists in hopes to advance both agencies' fight against drunken driving.

The department has participated in the "Drunkbuster Reward Program" since 2005, and is looking to increase community awareness about the initiative.

The "Drunkbuster Reward Program," started by AAIM in 1990, encourages citizens to report possible drunken drivers to the police. Erratic driving, observation of the driver consuming alcohol, and hit and run crashes are all examples of when someone should contact police.

Other reasons may include the inability of a driver to maintain their lane, excessive speeding, and improper braking. It is important to remember a police officer must witness the driving prior to stopping the vehicle; they cannot simply go off the tipster's information.

Should the reporting of a drunken driver result in that driver's arrest for DUI, police officers are able to submit the reporting caller's name to AAIM, where the caller will receive $100 for their tip.

This program is funded entirely through court fines paid by drunken driving offenders. To date, AAIM has awarded more than $583,000 and removed more than 5,830 impaired drivers off roadways. Buffalo Grove has reported 44 Drunkbusters to AAIM since 2005.

If you witness a driver you believe may be intoxicated, call 911 immediately.

For information about the AAIM "Drunkbuster Reward Program," visit http://aaim1.org/drunkbusters.asp.