Rankin Inlet (Aug 23/06) - The police in Rankin Inlet are continuing their battle against those in the community who get behind the controls of their vehicle while drinking.

The Rankin detachment of the RCMP stepped up its focus on drinking and driving at the request of hamlet council.

Cpl. Mike Lokken said 10 driving-under-the-influence (DUI) cases were brought forward in court this month and the same number is expected in September.

He said drivers who were found guilty received anywhere from the minimum fine of $600 and a year's driving suspension up to one year in jail.

"The year in jail was combined with other charges, but they were all related to his impaired charge," said Lokken.

"He had been prohibited from driving from a previous impaired conviction and he also breached his probation by drinking.

"The year broke down to six months for the impaired charge, and three months consecutive for breech of probation and driving while prohibited.

"This was the man's fifth DUI conviction."

The Rankin RCMP now have two trained DataMaster technicians on staff (Const. Iain Monteith and Const. Stephan Kilabuk).

The DataMaster replaced the old breathalyser system and gives an actual blood-alcohol reading that's admissible in court.

Lokken said people in the community are starting to realize police are continuing their focus on impaired drivers.

"It was mentioned in court that a couple of people convicted will likely lose their jobs because they involve driving and they're prevented from driving for a year.

"As word of these sentences gets around, I hope more people will change their attitude and realize drinking and driving is not acceptable.

"It's not our goal to charge everybody in town, but we want to stop people from driving drunk."

Lokken said experience has shown him that stiffer sentences do result in a decrease in the number of people who drink and drive.

He said if people know there are serious consequences waiting, they have a tendency to change their attitude and not do it.

"They finally realize they could lose their job and driving privileges and go to jail, so it's just not worth it.

"We've been taking positive steps towards having this unacceptable behaviour abolished once and for all in Rankin and we're going to continue our efforts."