Spokane County sheriff's deputies have been asked to contact at least three motorists per hour this weekend as part of extra impaired driving patrols.

The emphasis is part of a Hoopfest patrol effort that began Friday and includes aircraft.

A Washington State Patrol Cessna plane will be above the city today and Sunday to catch impaired reckless drivers.

When the plane isn’t up, the sheriff’s helicopter will be.

"Air One will be used for vehicle pursuits and searches, should the need arise, and will be available for call-out throughout the Hoopfest event," according to a news release.

The sheriff's office has scheduled extra patrols for impaired drivers and boaters deputies have been asked "to make at least three motorist contacts per hour and to have a zero tolerance for impaired drivers." 

The marine unit will have two teams patroling county waterways today and Sunday.

Sgt. Dave Reagan said the sheriff's helicopter typically is out on the weekend but this likely is the first Hoopfest in which it has worked with the WSP plane.

Hoopfest, the largest 3-on-3 street basketball tournament in the country, begins Saturday.

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