The Nassau County Police Department launched an initiative Tuesday that publicly showcases drivers accused of being drunk behind the wheel.

Police are sending the names and pictures of those arrested for drunken driving to newspapers and television stations. The department hopes the fear of embarrassment will act as a deterrent.

?Today we are making public the names and pictures of the people that are behind me on this ?wall of shame,?? Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi said of those arrested over Memorial Day weekend.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey said he?s disappointed in the high number of drunken drivers that were out on the roads over the weekend. In all, Nassau police made 109 arrests. ?I was quite surprised, because the media did do an effective job of getting the word out [about the crackdown],? Mulvey said.

Suffolk police have no similar policy. However, they do seize about 500 cars of repeat drunken drivers each year.

Nassau?s crackdown was due in part to the May 18 drunken driving crash involving officer Kenneth Baribault. Baribault is said to be making slow, but steady progress after undergoing several surgeries. He is still in critical condition and is on a ventilator, but doctors say he is able breathe a little bit by himself.

Click for more on officer Baribault?s condition

To watch the extended news conference launch of the initiative, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Suozzi and Mulvey Scarlet Letter Over 100Weekend DWI Arrests