DWI Enforcer All-Star

In about five years as a police officer, Ben Metcalf has carved out a niche on the job that is now getting him statewide recognition.

As a patrol officer for Owatonna Police, Metcalf focuses on DWI enforcement while working mostly nights from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and about two weekends every month. He is averaging about 35 DWI arrests each year.

It came as a surprise two weeks ago when Metcalf was honored as the department’s top DWI officer and given honorable mention as a DWI All-Star from by the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety.

Metcalf said he generates a high number of DWI arrests through aggressive enforcement of traffic laws. He often stops vehicles for running stop signs and stop lights, weaving in the lane of traffic, driving without headlights on and other equipment violations.

He finds his passion for DWI enforcement from knowing he has prevented something worse from happening to motorists or other innocent people by stopping drivers for violating other laws. Metcalf has found himself “almost hit” by impaired drivers while driving in his squad car.

In the past, Metcalf has responded to traffic crashes that have resulted in serious injuries and even death. Many times, the crashes are caused by impaired drivers, he said.

“Being able to stop them before the crashes happen is my main goal,” Metcalf said, adding removing drunk drivers from the roadway is something that can be controlled through effective traffic enforcement.

Alcohol isn’t the only impairment facing drivers, according to Metcalf. He said officers are seeing a lot more drug DWIs from marijuana and methamphetamine usage in recent years.

“You can be impaired not just by alcohol, but also drugs,” said Metcalf, who grew up in Kenyon.  

And officers are becoming more focused on drug-related impairment.

“We have been getting a lot more training on drug DWI enforcement,” Metcalf said.

The DWI enforcer has some solid advice for those who like to go out and party.

“Get a cab and there are plenty of people around for rideshares,” he said. “Leave your car where it’s at. It could be the one time you run a stop sign and hit someone,” he added.

Metcalf said he became interested in law enforcement by doing a ride-along with his brother, who is also a police officer. Prior to coming to work in Owatonna four years ago, Metcalf was an officer in Wabasha County for a year.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Metcalf says. “There is something new every day. I get to come into work and do what I like to do.”

Mostly, Metcalf said he enjoys helping people who are often experiencing their worst days.