Tempe sees lowest DUI arrests since 2020, warns public about celebration safety
The funding allows the Traffic Unit to continue aggressive enforcement. DUI Task Force deployments have covered holidays all year and will continue on weekends like Labor Day, Halloween and through the Christmas holiday season.
The Mill Avenue bar scene brings thousands of patrons weekly to the various bars, clubs and restaurants that line the streets of downtown Tempe. The availability of transportation in the area could be a factor to the decline of arrests.
At the end of 2020 Waymo, a fully autonomous rideshare service, started its services in the East Valley and downtown Phoenix and has grown to be able to take riders on interstates and other highways to provide a faster route home.
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Public Safety
Tempe sees lowest DUI arrests since 2020, warns public about celebration safety
Metro connection
The funding allows the Traffic Unit to continue aggressive enforcement. DUI Task Force deployments have covered holidays all year and will continue on weekends like Labor Day, Halloween and through the Christmas holiday season.
The Mill Avenue bar scene brings thousands of patrons weekly to the various bars, clubs and restaurants that line the streets of downtown Tempe. The availability of transportation in the area could be a factor to the decline of arrests.
At the end of 2020 Waymo, a fully autonomous rideshare service, started its services in the East Valley and downtown Phoenix and has grown to be able to take riders on interstates and other highways to provide a faster route home.
Despite an active bar scene, Tempe also has some of the lowest numbers out of other Phoenix suburbs. Mesa had over 2,900 arrests in 2024, Chandler had over 1,000 and Scottsdale had over 1,200 compared to Tempe’s 646 arrests in 2024 according to a data set from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Mesa has a population of over 500,000 residents while Tempe and Chandler have a population around 200,000.
Phoenix had over 2,100, a significant drop from the almost 4,000 arrests in 2020. However Phoenix has a population of over 1.6 million in the city limits.
Some reports point to the events in 2020. The National Institute of Health reported in 2021 an increase in alcohol use across all ages and genders as well as more drinking to cope with declining mental health during the time.
Tempe Police shared that they work with Arizona State University Campus police hosts The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety DUI task force to ensure that drivers are safe on holidays and through the conclusion of 2025.
“Tonight, Tempe officers, along with several East Valley police departments, will work together to help ensure a safe conclusion to 2025 in Tempe. In addition, Tempe officers will be addressing nuisance parties, where alcohol overconsumption all too often occurs which can also lead to dangerous decisions to drive,” Tempe Police said about New Year’s Eve patrols.
Tempe, Phoenix and Valley Metro worked to enhance light rail services on New Year’s Eve in addition to offering the service for free.
Through a partnership with Coors Free Rides, the alcohol distributor paid for operation from 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 2 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2026.
“Whether you’re heading to a countdown event, meeting friends for a night out or exploring local festivities, your ride is covered so you can focus on the fun and celebrate responsibly,” said Valley Metro CEO Jessica Mefford-Miller in a press release.
Tempe officials hope that transportation will assist with safety to prevent dangerous situations, but encourages everyone to find a sober ride home at the end of the night.
“A single poor decision can permanently alter multiple lives, including your own. If you plan to drink or use drugs, make a responsible choice in advance by designating a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or do not drive at all. No celebration, errand, or drive home is worth a life,” a Tempe Police spokesperson said via email.
Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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