Making DUI checkpoints safe and effective

Holding DUI checkpoints is standard procedure in every state and in almost every law enforcement agency. These have been implemented due to the number of DUI accidents that have occurred and are of course a form of crime prevention. However, recently in regard to several, tragic events where officer safety has been compromised, it is important to step back and take a look at how DUI checkpoints are run and in what ways they may be improved for effectiveness. Officer Larry Hatfield of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Office of Public Information, stated that their DUI checkpoints are well structured, making each time smooth and safe for all. “We have not had any issues as of late,” Officer Hatfield said. “We broadcast the fact that we will be conducting DUI checks on local radio stations, so that citizens are aware.” This educational component is one technique that helps DUI checkpoints go smoothly. At the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, these standard procedures are well planned, structured and organized down to having a specific number of officers strictly to work the DUI checkpoint in place. “We have grant money that helps us have a designated patrol for that procedure.” The department has been carrying out checkpoints in this manner for quite some time and has found it effective with no reason to change methods.

The ‘Is it legal’ question

Most agencies do their best to make DUI checkpoints as efficient as possible. This in turn reduces the amount of perilous incidents that could occur. Each recent event in the world of policing has made officers and civilians aware of the potential risks that officers face. The New Mexico the State Police Department bases their DUI checkpoint standards on the Betancourt rules that were implemented in the early 1900s. These particular case standards were set in place after the specific arrest of Elizabeth Betancourt, which spurred particular laws and procedures to be implemented during checkpoints.

These rules and regulations have allowed routine checkpoints to be conducted smoothly. The New Mexico State Police Department has not encountered any problems other than complaints. The question most often asked by civilians is whether the checkpoints are constitutionally legal. Though most of the time citizens comply without question, this has been a question challenged many times.  A representative of the Las Cruces branch of the NMSP says that keeping up with training and initiating routine legal instruction helps to make the checkpoints run well. This is instilled at both the academy and as a reminder within the department for newly promoted patrol sergeants. The more training law enforcement departments offer the better the outcome as well. Due to both well-established laws and new law such as marijuana being legalized in some states, it is best for officers to not only know protocol, but also be well versed in traffic law and state laws as a whole.

Effective communication and education

Just as the LVMPD expressed, communication to the community contributes greatly to the success of a smooth DUI checkpoint. The majority of departments across the nation will alert citizens of when they may expect to run into a checkpoint. This explanation tends to make the event run smoothly as well as ease any concerns citizens may have. Most of the time, the DUI alert is broadcasted over public radio. Some departments hold special agreements with media resources in terms of carrying out these messages to the public. Through these messages, agencies can not only alert citizens of what will occur, they may also resonate to the public the reason for conducting them. Spreading this type of message while including an explanation reduces potential problems during checkpoints. Providing citizens with an announcement and an explanation of the purpose of the checkpoint, creates a positive reputation within the community for officers.

Safe environment

Another element of a successful DUI checkpoints is an appropriate and safe environment. Products such as the specially equipped, portable lights that Tele-Lite, Inc. manufactures can help to illuminate an otherwise treacherous scene. Debbie Steeves, sales manager of Tele-Lite, Inc. says their Nova-Lite is their most popular product in regards to checkpoints. The company is known for designing lighting kits, which are then attached to Honda generators. For example, the Nova-Lite system, which includes the EB3000Honda generator, is a portable accessory that can easily be set up. Once it is put into place, officers will have ample light, which creates a safe environment for all of those involved. The Tele-Lite Nova-Lite includes two 500 Watt tele-scoping lights that are made out of quartz. Steeves says this particular light provides 3000 Watts of power and 2000 Watts of lighting. It is also available with an LED lamp head.

In order to avoid any escalated situations, conducting DUI checkpoints in an orderly and safe fashion proves to be most effective. Another way to keep officers safe is the simple but ever so useful traffic vest. Though this may seem like an ordinary article of clothing it has helped keep many an officer from being run down which is a common event. The company Galls is a manufacturer of flares as well as other products designed to help law enforcement officers during traffic stops.

Products such as traffic vests, LED nightsticks and more help to make DUI checkpoints much safer for officers and allows them to be prepared.  Galls has a wide variety of equipment for various weather situations as well as additional products such as flares for added safety precautions. In addition, the recent increase in body camera use has allowed law enforcement personnel to maintain control and safety of situations. The company carries a large variety of body cameras, including the PatrolEyes HD Auto Infrared Police Body Camera. This is a 32 GB body camera that is also equipped with a built in speaker as well as a GPS. This way while the officer is wearing it their location is also recorded. For a situation such as a checkpoint, an officer would be able to keep the body camera on for six hours of recording. Devices such as these allow officers to have peace of mind when it comes to potential citizen complaints. With proof of the event that is taped and includes audio, the officer can rest assured that no incident will be blown out of proportion.  

Think ahead, think multitools

For some departments, budget is an issue that affects the amount of manpower set up during DUI checkpoints. Specific grants are available, however, a few products within the industry have been designed to help in these matters. Recently, a new company has come up with a product to help officers and civilians maintain safety during DUI checkpoints. STAC Systems LLC has developed a new product specifically with traffic control in mind. This particular product is a simple yet highly practical, reflective tube. “The product is called a STAC Stick”, said Joe Crotty. “The STAC System is able to provide customers with a variety of accessories.” Each accessory may be chosen according to customer needs, making the STAC Stick versatile in use. Crotty says the device may used for traffic control purposes, a sign holder, an expandable barricade, or a floodlight stand to name a few.  Since Joe Crotty is a 20-year veteran police officer, his product has been created based on trial and error. Crotty said his inspiration stemmed from one particular occasion where he had been directing traffic for the third time that day in the heat of summer. “I thought to myself there has to be a better way,” said Crotty.

Though traditionally traffic cones are used to direct traffic, they are often too awkward and inconvenient in size. Crotty says his product is compact, flexible and versatile making it convenient for first responders. “It makes their environment safer as well because it can be made what you need it to be when you need it.” Additionally, STAC Sticks are cost effective. Not only can they be used for more than one task, but using them reduces manpower. “The advantage at a DUI checkpoint is that each officer is able to have in their possession a set of STAC Sticks,” says Crotty. This factor reduces the need for a work truck filled with cones and someone to drive that truck in order to place them.

The STAC Stick can be carried in a police unit and easily set up. It is convenient when used for floodlighting, as the officer conducting the check point will not have to carry a flashlight. The STAC Stick has the ability to be transformed to accommodate a variety of needs. The success of the product is due to the fact that it was developed by an acting officer who has realized the needs within his department and on scenes.

Truth in numbers

Checkpoints may seem monotonous, however they are conducted because of past events including drugs and alcohol abuse, as well as drivers not wearing seat belts. Though DUI checkpoints have been implemented with the idea of maintaining civilian safety, it is equally important to ensure officer safety as well as preventing future accidents. With the help of vetted, multipurpose equipment, combined with organization, training and communication, checkpoints can run without a hitch.

 Hilary Romig bio