NCJ Number
139594
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 59 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1992) Pages: 58-60,62-63
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The reasons that the police generally use sobriety checkpoints only sporadically and without enthusiasm are explained and refuted.
Abstract
A good theoretical basis exists for believing that properly conducted sobriety checkpoint campaigns may reduce drunk driving, and data from actual checkpoint programs supports this belief. Police view checkpoints as an inefficient use of police resources due to the small number of arrests involved, although focusing only on arrests overlooks the more important goal of deterrence. In addition, police may believe that they lack adequate resources, although some innovative police agencies have operated checkpoints with only two or three officers. The view that checkpoints are boring for police and potentially dangerous for both police and motorists can be countered by noting that police-citizen interactions can be interesting and that serious accidents have not occurred. Some police argue that checkpoints will alienate the public, but checkpoints can also improve police public relations. Courts have also upheld the constitutionality of checkpoints. Finally, the lack of political support for checkpoints should be countered by further education of public officials and the public regarding the costs of drunk driving. 10 notes