Three NYPD officers have been arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated this December, a time when department Christmas parties are in full swing. The arrests come as precincts, bureaus, and fraternal organizations celebrate the holidays with gatherings often marked by heavy alcohol consumption.

The most recent arrest occurred on Dec. 14 when Staten Island officer Jose Dejesus Jr., 27, was involved in a single-car crash in the Emerson Hill neighborhood. Police responded to the accident on Roosevelt Street around 7 a.m., and Dejesus was charged with DWI, driving while impaired, and refusing a sobriety test.

On Dec. 13, Bronx officer Sheikh Aktaruzzaman, 28, was found asleep in his car in the middle of the street near White Plains Road and Wood Avenue. Officers charged Aktaruzzaman with DWI and related offenses. His arrest took place within the 43rd Precinct, which covers southeastern Bronx neighborhoods.

The first incident occurred on Dec. 6 in Queens when Donald Johnson, 32, was arrested in the 108th Precinct. Johnson was pulled over after a citizen reported him to authorities. He was also charged with DWI, sources confirmed.

A police source remarked on the timing of the arrests, saying, “It’s the holiday season,” a period known for increased alcohol consumption and department gatherings. However, no information has been provided about whether any of the officers attended NYPD holiday parties prior to their arrests.

These incidents come as the NYPD deals with an increased workload and shrinking ranks, leading officers to take on more overtime. Critics argue that such pressures, combined with festive celebrations, create an environment where reckless behavior can arise.

The arrests serve as a reminder of the need for accountability and caution during the holidays, particularly for those tasked with upholding public safety.