In an effort to spread both holiday cheer and a meaningful message, the Newport Beach Police Department released a video on Monday showing officers singing a warning about drinking and driving set to a festive holiday tune.
The song, set to the tune “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” shows officers on the street, conducting a breathalyzer test, towing a car, taking a mug shot, and twirling some handcuffs in front of a stopped car and crying DUI “suspect” actress.
The “Holiday DUI PSA” video features motor officers Matt Keyworth and Bill Hume, officers Tony Yim and Garrett Young, and custody officer Daran Kanbara lip-synching the carol. It was sung by animal control officer Mike Teague.
“So, you better not drive after you drink. You better catch a cab or a ride home, I think. In Newport Beach, we’re watching the streets,” he sings.
“Basically, the idea behind the video was this: Everyone has heard the “Don’t drink and drive” message before… How can we keep that message front and
center during this season of celebrations and festivities?” said NBPD spokeswoman Jennifer Manzella.
The idea struck Manzella while she was walking along the beach in August.
“I’ve been told that’s not the typical setting for thinking about Christmas carols,” she joked.
There has been an incredibly positive reaction from the public, she said.
“We’ve actually had members of the public call the Police Department to tell us how much they like the video, its message, and the way that the message was delivered,” she said.
The video has received more than 13,000 views on YouTube as of Wednesday afternoon, and hundreds of views are taking place every hour. It’s also been shared all over social media.
“The video was intended to be funny enough that people would want to view it multiple times and share it with others, but still convey the message clearly,” Manzella said. “I’m pleased to see that we accomplished that balance.”
“Although the tone of the video is upbeat, we know that driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense that all too often has tragic consequences,” Manzella said.
The injuries and fatalities that result from DUI collisions are 100 percent preventable, she continued.
“So, if we can help someone make the right decision and NOT get behind the wheel of a car when they’re intoxicated, then the video is a resounding success,” she explained.
Last year, NBPD reported 24 DUIs in November and 42 in December, Manzella said.
The video didn’t really require any special funding, Manzella added.
“We did everything we could in-house: I wrote the lyrics and planned the project, ACO Teague recorded the music and vocals, the talented daughter of one of our Traffic Lieutenant drew up some storyboards for me, and the crew from NBTV did the filming and editing,” she explained.
The video concludes with a message from NBPD Chief Jay Johnson: “Thank you for helping us keep Newport Beach safe and happy this holiday season.”
The video can be viewed on the Newport Beach PD channel at youtube.com.
