252 Sobriety Checkpoints Flashcards
Sobriety checkpoints are intended to _____ the impaired driving problem by increasing the opportunity to detect, apprehend, and deter the impaired driver by selective enforcement of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws through concentration on existing laws.
diminish
traffic backups
The selection of each sobriety checkpoint will be made by a_______. The criteria and data used to determine each site will be recorded and maintained by the _____ or designee
supervisor
Assistant Chief of Specialized Patrol
Several factors should be used to identify and determine where a sobriety checkpoint will be conducted. These factors include statistical or other relevant information obtained from:
a. The Crime Analysis Unit (CAU) compiled DUI accident location list;
b. The CAU compiled DUI arrest list;
c. Alcohol and drug related experiences;
d. Sheriff’s Office interest;
e. Community interest;
f. Personnel availability;
g. Prior checkpoint locations;
h. Visibility to the community; and
i. Selective surveillance of roadways on which a high number of accidents have occurred involving drugs or alcohol.
Some additional factors that should be considered while choosing a sobriety checkpoint location are:
a. The hour of the day and the day of the week to ensure maximum results;
b. The amount of traffic along the proposed checkpoints to ensure activity levels;
c. The justification of time (personnel hours) and equipment to ensure they are used properly and efficiently;
d. The safety of citizens and law enforcement personnel at the site location;
e. The site location in order to minimize inconvenience to the motorist;
f. Adequate road space and parking
g. The amount of natural or artificial light at the checkpoint, to ensure that the location will be highly visible.
Sergeants shall submit an Intradepartmental Correspondence (P-0004) to his____ requesting authorization to conduct a sobriety checkpoint. The P-0004 requires a written reply from the Assistant Chief authorizing the checkpoint. Checkpoint P-0004s will be subject to judicial scrutiny and shall be complete and correct.
Assistant Chief
written reply
The requesting P-0004s must encumber all pertinent data to support the checkpoint authorization. Pertinent data includes
a. DUI statistical information or other relevant sources of information;
b. Justification of the checkpoint location;
c. The date and time of the checkpoints;
d. A diagram which graphically shows the checkpoint site, the location of all equipment, and post assignments;
e. The frequency of traffic stops which are flexible based upon traffic congestion. (This can include stopping every motorist or every 6th motorist up to every 10th motorist);
f. The radio talk group frequency to be used;
g. A checkpoint agenda indicating the operational timetable, the personnel strengths and needs, and the equipment needed;
h. Documentation that the Public Information Officer (PIO) has been notified of the checkpoint.
i. Authorization for the checkpoint from the Assistant Chief.
An _____ shall be submitted to the ____ or designee by the sergeant responsible for the sobriety checkpoint. This report shall be submitted no later than _____after the checkpoint occurred and will contain the following information:
after action report
Assistant Chief of Specialized Patrol
one week
All law enforcement personnel shall be briefed by the sergeant supervising the sobriety checkpoint. The sergeant responsible for the checkpoint shall:
a. Meet the officers at a predetermined location and time prior to beginning the checkpoint for a briefing;
b. Provide each officer with a copy of the authorizing P-0004 and related material;
c. Inform the officers of the;
(1) Checkpoint location,
(2) Officer positions,
(3) Equipment and warning sign positions,
(4) Legal considerations, and
(5) Frequency of traffic stops (every vehicle, every third vehicle, 5th, 6th, 10th, etc.).
Each site will be staffed by a sufficient number of uniformed police officers to maintain a safe and efficient operation. At a minimum, this will consist of:
a ______ who is the supervising sergeant.
Lead Officer
Approach Safety Officer who is responsible for;
(1) Stationing a police vehicle along the approach to the checkpoint,
(2) Observing approaching motorists and providing advance warning of any potentially hazardous activity,
(3) Notifying other officers of driving behavior which suggest impairment, and
(4) Remaining in position as long as the checkpoint is in operation.
Observation Officer (usually a motorcycle officer) who is responsible for;
1) Watching for motorists who may attempt to avoid the checkpoint and determining if a driving pattern exhibits signs of impairment. It is not illegal for a motorist to avoid a sobriety checkpoint. A motorist who wishes to avoid the checkpoint by legally turning before entering the checkpoint area should be allowed to do so unless a traffic violation is observed or probable cause exists to take other action, and
(2) With the permission of the lead officer, pursuing motorists who avoid a checkpoint
The sergeant designing, implementing, and supervising a sobriety checkpoint shall notify the Sheriff’s spokesperson of the activity _____ to the checkpoint occurring. The media officer shall be provided with sobriety checkpoint information which includes the:
a. Date and time;
b. Checkpoint location; and
c. Duration of the checkpoint activity.
two days prior
The supervising sergeant will notify the Communications Center by P-0004 advising them of the checkpoint.
supervising sergeant
The sergeant supervising the sobriety checkpoint will use a system for determining the frequency of traffic stops. Random traffic stops at a sobriety checkpoint will ______.
not be conducted.
Reflectorized warning signs will be placed at the sobriety checkpoint location. The following four signs shall be used at a minimum:
a. Sobriety checkpoint ahead;
b. Merge;
c. Reduce speed ahead; and
d. Prepare to stop.
