York Regional Police are considering naming and shaming on their website and social media those accused of drunk driving .
The policy change is being discussed following a particularly deadly year involving drunk driving and signs that the trend is continuing to increase.
In 2015, a van was T-boned by the drunk driver of an SUV in Vaughan, Garry Neville, 65, died along with his three grandchildren: Daniel, 9; Harrison, 5; and Milly, 2. Marko Muzzo was eventually sentenced to 10 years for the crime. It is considered one of Ontario’s worst incidents involving an impaired driver.
York Police announced the plan on their Twitter feed following the arrest of nine drivers for impaired driving over the weekend.
9 more drunk drivers taken off our roads this weekend. One of them was passed out at the wheel in the middle of Clark/Dufferin #ThisIsNotOK
— York Regional Police (@YRP) January 9, 2017
We've been discussing posting the names of all charged with impaired driving. More to follow on that one…. @thehighcut @VinaY_Ankola
— York Regional Police (@YRP) January 9, 2017
But Const. Andy Pattenden of the York Regional Police said there are “no details as yet and no definite timeline.”
Although many people on Twitter applauded the plan, “the reaction from the community has been mixed — with some in favour whereas others are opposed.” Pattenden said.
York would be the second police force to implement such a program in the GTA, following the Durham Region Police Services.
Niagara Regional Police also have a name and shame program.
According to Const. David Hopkinson of the Toronto Police Services there are no similar plans being considered for Toronto.
In 2015 over 1,600 people were charged for impaired driving in York Region.