DIXFIELD – Special police patrols to spot people driving under the influence began Friday night and will continue through September, thanks to a state Bureau of Highway Safety grant.

Chief Richard Pickett said his department received $1,000 to pay for overtime costs associated with stepping up the watch for impaired drivers.

He said the patrols will be done at random.

“We want to be a deterrent and save lives,” he said.

Last year, the department received $3,480, but because so few intoxicated drivers were arrested, the amount of the annual grant was reduced.

Pickett believes the extra patrols prevented a greater number of people from driving while impaired.

Sgt. Jeff Howe will organize the patrols.