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Posted on 01/03/2006 6:30:21 PM PST by elkfersupper
Even though city police officers made only one drunk-driving arrest after stopping more than 1,000 motorists at a sobriety checkpoint late last week, they called the effort successful.
In fact, they are planning a similar effort in a few days. "We're doing it sometime around New Year's weekend. You better watch out," said Detective Lt. Thomas Michael.
Michael said police received money from the state to conduct the roadblocks. The latest one started Thursday at about 7 p.m. on Main Street and lasted into the early morning.
Ten officers were called in to take part in the roadblock. They found 29 infractions, mostly for people traveling without a license. Fifteen cars were towed because the operator didn't have a license or registration. About 350 verbal warnings were issued, Michael said.
Two separate arrests were made for drug possession when illegal substances were found in two vehicles, Michael said.
Michael said it's good there were so few drunk driving arrests. "Many people are starting to get the message,'' Michael said.
In general, sobriety checkpoints are supported by Mothers Against Drunk Driving's national organization. MADD's Web site, quoting a 2002 study by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scientists, notes that sobriety checkpoints reduce alcohol-related traffic fatalities by 20 percent on average. MADD contends the checkpoints save lives when they are frequently conducted and are highly publicized.
Danbury police did make two drunk driving arrests after the latest sobriety checkpoint came down.
Charged on Saturday morning, shortly after midnight, was Marno Brito, 34, of Backus Avenue in Danbury, who was stopped as he was heading north on Main Street. Police said his muffler was very loud and his windows were heavily tinted. When police stopped his car, they noticed he appeared intoxicated, so they charged him with drunken driving, having an unlawful exhaust and having illegally tinted windows.
Also charged with drunken driving on Christmas Eve was Denilson Rosa, 29, of Myrtle Avenue in Danbury. He was charged after police came upon his red pick-up truck, which had just hit a parked car and was blocking the roadway on Morris Street. Police arrested him on charges of drunk driving, operating without a license and failure to drive right.
35% of the taxpayers who went through this were hassled by the Cops. No wonder the police are not well liked. Yes, Mr Policeman, you work for me, and no,a burned out marker light does not threaten the peace and security of this community.
I read about this at Radley Balko's website and I thought it was hilarious. If one arrest counts as success, then what does failure look like?
I am shocked that this has made it so far without the jackboot lickers chiming in
Moved to "Chat". Happens every now and then. Sometimes I wonder.
Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here
...'spose you already saw this...?
It's weird. The cops in my hometown used to just set up across the street from the main bars. There'd be one unit parked near each bar and the rest on patrol. They were catching DUIs like they were going out of style.
Naturally, some liberal group (probably the ACLU) came in and sued, claiming the cops were "unconstitutionally profiling" and the police were ordered by the courts to stop the practice at once.
Of course, drunk-driving fatalities soared after that. But that was the cops' fault "for not doing their jobs."
RE: "Naturally, some liberal group (probably the ACLU) came in and sued, claiming the cops were "unconstitutionally profiling" and the police were ordered by the courts to stop the practice at once."
LOL. Bet the Bar Owners weren't too happy either...?
Pet peeves? Hell these things are unconstitutional and a violation of the letter and spirit of our highest law. I get a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach just seeing them, which is why I spend all night at the roadblock protesting them. Freedom isn't free.
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