While most residents are making their plans for Labor Day weekend fun, police departments throughout New Jersey are getting ready for the annual crackdown on drunk driving… and they’re getting a little extra help from the state.

You may be thinking of those DWI checkpoints that slow down traffic as police officers stop drivers to take a breathalyzer. But for the last several years, the statewide crackdown has also included roving patrols.

Hoboken Police Chief Anthony Falco says having officers on the streets looking for people who are under the influence is more effective than the checkpoints.

“People observe it from a few blocks away and they’ll try to get around these stops.”

Hoboken is one of more than 170 departments in New Jersey sharing in a $750,000 grant from the state.

Falco says that means a lot to departments during these tough economic times.

“These grants help out because I can hire personnel without hiring resources that are on duty.”

Each department will get $4,400 to help cover overtime costs to prevent drunk driving.

The crackdown starts tomorrow.