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Christmas is now behind us and another holiday lies less than a week away, which means that local law enforcement officials are staying busy.

The Missoula Sheriff's Department reports that even though it arrested just a handful of people over Christmas for drinking and driving, it's prepared for the worst on New Year's Eve.

Sheriff's Deputy David Conway says substance abuse is more common this time of year, causing accidents with both alcohol and drug related driving. He added that people need to think with a clear head before getting behind the wheel.

"Too often and too frequently it has destroyed families, destroyed lives and ruined holiday seasons for so many people. There's no tolerance for it any longer. The days of gettin' rides home are long gone. If people are out driving impaired, we're looking for 'em and we will find 'em."

Both the sheriff's and police departments usually increase staff on New Year's Eve and they'll be discussing final work plans and schedules later this week.

(from Dec. 26, 2009)

The Christmas holiday meant more work for the Missoula County Sheriff's Department.

Deputy David Conway says they typically see an increase in domestic disturbances, substance abuse related incidents as well as suicides this time of year.

He told us the holidays in Missoula brought all those situations and that the emotional strain creates a bigger workload for law enforcement.

"Most people enjoy the holidays and it's a joyous occasion for most 'em. Some people, however, it brings about strong feelings and (they) are down during the holiday season" Conway told us. "That, often times, creates an upswing in workload for the sheriff's department and law enforcement in general."

The New Year celebrations are just days away and the sheriff's department is expecting more holiday and substance-related incidents to come.