Jason L. Widrick
175 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: (315) 786-7468
Fax: (315) 785-3299
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Program Description:
In 1981, in accordance with the Vehicle and Traffic Law, New York State enacted the Special Traffic Options Program for Driving While Intoxicated or STOP-DWI Program.
The objective of the program is to reduce the number of alcohol related traffic injuries and fatalities. There are four major components of every program throughout the State. The components are: Public Information and Education; Enforcement; Prosecution; and Rehabilitation. It is the responsibility of the Coordinator to monitor the collection of the DWI fines collected from all the criminal courts in Jefferson County, and allocate them to the various components to best meet the objectives of the STOP-DWI Program.
Program Funding:
The STOP-DWI Program in Jefferson County is funded by fines collected from people convicted of a DWI offense which means there are no County tax dollars applied to the program.
Program Expenses:
STOP-DWI funds contribute to positions in the Jefferson County's Sheriff, District Attorney, and Probation Departments, the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Council, Mercy Behavioral Health Service, and overtime for City Police. Funds are also used to purchase equipment and supplies for the various agencies and for advertising.
Victim Impact Panel:
This is an opportunity to understand the real tragedy behind driving while intoxicated, and driving while impaired, whether it is legal or illegal use of prescription drugs. Therefore, the panel is not limited to those who are mandated to attend. We encourage and welcome the general public to come hear these stories. The panel may be of interest to high school and college students, youth groups, and teachers.
Individuals who are mandated to attend the Victim Impact Panel will be subject to a $25 fee. There will be no charge for non-mandated clients. Individuals must pay at the door with cash or check; no credit cards will be accepted. If an individual is unable to pay, they will have to come to the next scheduled panel. Those mandated to attend do not need to preregister. They just need to show up to the next scheduled event. All attendees will be subject to a breathalyzer test prior to being allowed admission to the panel. All attendees will be given a memorandum stating they were present that day.
All questions regarding the STOP-DWI Victim Impact Panel can be directed to the Watertown Urban Mission at: (315)782-8440.
When and Where:
Wednesday, March 9, 2022 – 4:30pm
Watertown Urban Mission, 247 Factory Street, Watertown, NY 13601
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 – 4:30pm
Watertown Urban Mission, 247 Factory Street, Watertown, NY 13601
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 – 4:30pm
Watertown Urban Mission, 247 Factory Street, Watertown, NY 13601
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 – 4:30pm
Watertown Urban Mission, 247 Factory Street, Watertown, NY 13601
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 – 4:30pm
Watertown Urban Mission, 247 Factory Street, Watertown, NY 13601