Sobriety Checkpoints

[jaybb]

I think we can all obviously agree that drunk driving is a bad idea, and a crime. I am just curious as to everybody's thoughts in terms of DUI Checkpoints. Do you feel they work? And even if you do, do you feel they are a violation of the 4th ammendment as several state Supreme Courts have ruled (illegal search/seizure)? I know there have been studies that have shown its more effective to just increase the number of patrols out, rather than having one checkpoint. Just curious an officers take on this...

[Sportbiker]

ohhhh good thought. cuase ive been hearing from my drug teacher at college (former cop) that there must be a liable reason to pull someone over...ie a tail light out, or swerving.....so i never thought of that.

I actually think they work better when they have a platoon of motors makin sure no one flips a u turn.....i saw one that was set up perfectly, where you couldnt see it till it was too late, then they pulled you over if you made a u turn to get away (all the u turns in that area were illegal so there is your probable cause to pull em over)


i heard a joke:

cop pulls you over and asks, have you been drinking tonight (sir/ma'am)

you answer by saying, "heck officer, why dont you tell me, you're the trained professional"



side note....this is my 100th post, yeah

[chico.medic]

i heard a joke:

cop pulls you over and asks, have you been drinking tonight (sir/ma'am)

you answer by saying, "heck officer, why dont you tell me, you're the trained professional"



side note....this is my 100th post, yeah


Congrats on your 100th......Quantity over quality I suppose. :rolleyes: JK Sport Biker.

But seriously, I don't get your joke. :biggrin:shock:ubt:

The funny thing is, a lot of the deuces that roll into the checkpoints (At least the ones who are really gone) don't even notice what it is they are rolling through......till the officer smells them and asks them to pull to the side and step out of the car. :badgrin:

[Chp4me]

While I was a cadet with the local patrol, we were working a DUI checkpoint somebody actually drove up and stole the checkpoint sign! :shock: We also had some kids go through and then come back on the opposite lanes, making some ,let's just say "NOT nice" comments to us but they didn't notice the Sheriff's unit behind them!:biggrin:

[CHPGuy]

I love working DUI/DDL checkpoints. I have been to two of them and we have averaged 10 arrests at each.

[Your Mentor]

To answer the first question: checkpoints are considered the most effective, and efficient means of apprehending drunk drivers.

As to the legal question: checkpoints were challenged back in the 60's and have been upheld repeatedly. The amount of case law affirming the constitutionality of checkpoints fills volumes of legal work.

Consider this as well: we advertise every checkpoint in the local media as required by our own policy. That is to say, and I'm not kidding, the time and exact location is normally broadcast on local radio channels and listed in local newspapers.

[Flying Pig]

First...it doesnt matter how we as cops feel about it...we enforce the law. We dont interpret it or legislate it. The law says we can do it. So we do. Im all for catching bad guys. It has been ruled many times that it does not violate your 4th ammendment rights. Im not sure what States have ruled it unconstitutional, maybe there are some....however, the US Supreme Court doesnt seem to mind. I was in a deuce trial as a result of a check point, and the judge flat out told the Defense, that if he was going to challenge the legality of the check point, he would over rule any arguments....it was beautiful.

Sportbiker....that "liable reason" is called "probable cause"

I am continually amazed at how many DUI's, felony warrants, 12500's and 146's try to roll through a check point. Most of the checkpoints I have been associated with are combined with increased patrol as well.

[not5150]

There is also a big sign a few hundred feet in front of the checkpoint. You have ample opportunity to avoid it.

When I was a CHP Explorer working a DUI checkpoint in Manhattan Beach, a 211 suspect rolled into the checkpoint. A few minutes earlier, they had robbed a store. The description of the car went out and the idiots thought they would blend in with cars.

I was the checkboard person and made a chicken scratch for every car that rolled through and every car that was stopped. Someone yelled, "That's the car!!" and everyone drew their guns.

I, along with some other Explorers, were pushed to the ground and got out of the way.

[jeffreybc07]

Just adding to what others have already posted....

I have worked numerous checkpoints and they all have been very sucessful. We set it up so drivers have ample opportunity to not enter the checkpoint after they see signs advertising it. Amazingly..we still hook plenty of drivers (drunk, unlic, suspended/revoked etc).

IMO checkpoints are a great tool and are an excellent PR opportunity.

[SB 405]

I think the reason drunks pull right into the check point is easy to figure out......It's the "I'm alright" factor.

[Sportbiker]

Sportbiker....that "liable reason" is called "probable cause"


oh yes....i changed that phrase to the correct one later in my post.....

it basically all comes down to this, get your crap straightened out and drive unintoxicated and a valid DL, then youll just be burdened with a little traffic. Youre used to it if you commute!