Bismarck police have received an outpouring of response from across the country since news of a 17-year-old girl calling police on herself was reported last week - including a call for information from a syndicated talk show.

Lt. Randy Ziegler said he and Police Chief Keith Witt have received e-mails from across the country about the case.

The 17-year-old Bismarck girl called police at 11:15 p.m. on New Year's Eve to report she had been driving around the city for several hours while intoxicated. Police found her in her vehicle on the 1100 block of East Divide Avenue, and her keys were in her purse. The girl told officers she had been drinking heavily for two weeks and needed help.

She was cited for actual physical control of a motor vehicle, a charge similar to driving under the influence. She was charged with APC rather than DUI because the motor was not running, but she had access to the keys.

Since news of the case spread across the country, Ziegler said police have received comments about the case from the community and beyond. Much of the response has been positive, with people hoping the girl gets help. Others have criticized police for citing the girl, Ziegler said. However, he explained that police cannot just ignore offenses because people confess or express remorse for them.

Someone from the "Dr. Phil" show has called Ziegler, hoping the lieutenant could have the girl's family call the show and perhaps appear on it, Ziegler said. The syndicated, one-hour show features clinical psychologist Phil McGraw, who advises guests on various problems.

Ziegler said he cannot give information about the girl to anyone, because names of juveniles cited in criminal matters are confidential. If he chooses, he could contact the family and pass along the message from the show, though he was uncertain whether he would do that.

Ziegler expressed surprise at the response to the simple report.

"It's just amazing why that would be such a big deal," he said.

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@bismarcktribune.com.)