The DWI "No Refusal" policy in Bexar County has been extended to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to a $1.4 million grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The announcement was made on Monday during a news conference hosted by Bexar County District Attorney Susan Reed.

"I've wanted to see 24/7 No Refusal in our county for a long time," said Reed. "As of midnight last night, it's here."

Samuel Aguirre, traffic safety specialist with TxDOT, presented checks to Reed, San Antonio police Chief William McManus, Bexar County Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz and Jennifer Northway, of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

"It is critical that local law enforcement and traffic safety advocates join forces to bring aggressive awareness and enforcement to Bexar County," said Aguirre.

The bulk of the funds -- $556,482.84 -- was awarded to the San Antonio Police Department. The sheriff's office was awarded $524,837.66; MADD, $180,000; and $180,000 was given to the DA's office.

Citing the success of the no-refusal policy, which mandates either a blood draw or breath test, Reed said that the number of intoxication manslaughter cases filed by her office dropped 50 percent this year, compared to the same time period in 2009 and 2010.

Until now the No Refusal policy was in effect only on holidays and on week-ends.