This is to advise the news media that the Metropolitan Police Department will be conducting sobriety checkpoints as part of their continuing efforts to reduce alcohol/drug related traffic fatalities and injuries in the District of Columbia. The Metropolitan Police Department is committed to alcohol enforcement activities throughout this holiday season in helping to ensure the safety of area motorists. In keeping with the season a member of the department, dressed as Santa Claus, will be at one of the checkpoints on December 29, 2000 between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 a.m. While there he will hand out Wizards basketball tickets to sober drivers. Some 250 tickets were generously donated by Washington Sports and Entertainment and will be given out while supplies last.

Checkpoints will be conducted in the District of Columbia on Friday, December 29, 2000 and Saturday, December 30, 2000. They will be conducted from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.