Posted on 06/10/2013 3:32:45 PM PDT by Bodleian_Girl
PELL CITY, Alabama -- St. Clair and Bibb county authorities are confirming there were roadblocks at several locations in their counties Friday and Saturday asking for blood and DNA samples. However, the samples were voluntary and motorists were paid for them as part of a study, they said.
According to Lt. Freddie Turrentine of the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department, it isn't the first time such roadblocks have occurred in the area.
"They were here in 2007," said Turrentine, the supervisor in charge of the roadblocks, which took place in several locations in St. Clair County Friday night, early Saturday morning and Saturday night and early Sunday morning. "It's just with social media and Facebook now, word of it has just exploded."
Turrentine said the roadblocks were part of a study conducted by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, working with the National Highway Safety Administration. St. Clair County was asked to participate by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs because it had worked with the group six years ago.
Sheriff Keith Hannah in Bibb County said they too had previously participated in the study.
Here's how the road blocks worked, Turrentine said:
Off-duty St. Clair County deputies stopped cars at random at road block areas. The road blocks were marked with signs stating it was a paid survey. Cars stopped were asked for voluntary cooperation. Drivers were offered $10 for a mouth swab, and $50 for a blood test. If they refused, they were free to drive away.
[ POLL: Would you voluntarily submit DNA, blood sample for government study at roadblock? ]
Road blocks took place Friday at the New London Fire Department, Alabama 34 in Pell City near the old Dan's Car Wash, U.S. 231 at Alabama 144, at White's Chapel Parkway and Moody Crossroads in Moody. In Bibb County, the road blocks took place in five areas in the county on Friday night through early Sunday morning.
If drivers participated, they were directed to an area where someone from the group carrying out the study took the samples, he said.
"It was completely voluntary," Turrentine said, saying reports that people were detained if they did not cooperate were untrue. "If they didn't want to take part, they could drive off."
The samples were anonymous, he said.
Poll: Would you voluntarily submit DNA, blood sample for government study at roadblock?
"They were taking the samples in other parts of the country," he said. "They want to find out of all the people surveyed, how many people were driving with alcohol in their system, or prescription drugs, things like that."
This will be the only time this year the survey takes place in St. Clair County, he said.
Turrentine, who was at one of the roadblocks, said the group carrying out the study would ask for a certain number of volunteers. Deputies would stop drivers until that number of drivers needed agreed to the survey. Then they let cars pass while the samples were taken.
"We would have a lot who didn't want to take part, especially at night," he said. "But then we'd have a few that when we'd tell they could make $60 bucks, they said, 'What do I need to do?'"
If you were stopped in one of the roadblocks, or took part, and would like to talk, email eastalabama@al.com.
I found it on Twitter from someone who was blogging about the incident.
When did you get psychic to know if it’s a license/insurance check and know it’s a survey?
Yes, you are a troll.
You are playing word games and not actually debating anything. Good night.
I reckon that's what the poster meant.
If so, you'd have to think someone, group, ACLU, etc., would file suit quickly.
Ok, first you compare a POLICE ROADBLOCK WITH ARMED OFFICERS AND POLICE CARS to girl scouts offering cookies, and now to parades?
WTH is wrong with you.
Eye witness.
http://gl1800riders.com/forums/showthread.php?350155-Roadblocks-in-Alabama-DNA-Collection
My liberal state's courts nixed similar behavior among LEO agencies more than a decade ago.
Sometimes right and left shake hands.
Where did i claim to know as you allege?
Yes, you are a troll.
Grow up!
Now he is starting crap on:
Sandy Hook Shooter Adam Lanza Had No Drugs, Alcohol In System
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/3018829/posts
DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!
As I said earlier.
I think he is an ACLU legal aide that is trying to formulate something that he thinks will give him some kind of career advancement.
Well, you seem to know the difference that it is just a ‘tourism road block’ so you are free to turn around as opposed to a legal one.
You are the one who proposed this ridiculous, not me.
For what?
You're the poster making little sense.
Ignore it, it is just trying to stir you up.
ALASKA WOLF IS AN AGITATING TROLL. LOOK AT ITS POSTING HISTORY AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF.
But please stop talking to it, it needs your wrath, ignore it, and it will starve.
Sorry, can you rephrase your question so it is intelligible?
From the "survey."
Why do you suppose they haven't filed suit yet?
Sorry, can you rephrase your question so it is intelligible?
For what?
Grow up!
If so, you'd have to think someone, group, ACLU, etc., would file suit quickly.
And who are you to judge? If you don't like what I post, don't read it. I have a very low tolerance for fools, liberals/liars and cowards
So when are you going to storm the US capitol and remove all the vermin?
Is there a compelling public safety rationale for having roadblocks? Yes or no?
Did anyone take the initiative and question the town mayor, assembly or police chief?
“What do you do when you come to a detour, a parade, a town crazy days celebration, etc., continue on through?”
I expect to not be questioned by the police for simply showing up.
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