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.
Call it a target-rich environment.
Ping.
It's good to see that the cops are on the watch for Democrat Underground Idiots...
I bet they don't read too good, either.
Second full-bore belly laugh of the day.
Thanks, I needed that.
I would suggest that this checkpoint was a personal hastle of 99.8 % of the population. This number of citizens should be able to override whatever hold MADD has and change the names of the city council. Go for it guys.
My guess is that the degree of responsible drinkers is high and getting higher and MADD may be able to claim a victory here. But a checkpoint that nabs this small a number is a waste. No other name for it. The city should invest in a junker police car and leave it parked somewhere. It will do as much good for a lot less trouble and cost.
"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."
I forget where I read that. Some fiction author, maybe...
Huh? Publik skuuls are getin' wurse buy da minoot.
I agree. The spoofs on the grammar and communication issue(s) is/are fun.
Note that they actually caught some when they abandoned their checkpoint and went about doing what they're supposed to do.
Happy to help.
Even worse, the genius who wrote this gradjeeated from collige, too.
Lets see 10 Officers Starting at 1900 and working until 0200 could have patrolled oh lets say about 3200 road miles. I bet that those officers tasked with only making DUI stops could have done a little better than 1 arrest and heaven forbid they would have actually had RS to interact with the suspects but then the unruly subjects might get used to being to travel freely
You need a permit or a license to drive around in CT now?
My pet peeve these days. I'm one of those people who "find" these things (checkpoints) on a regular basis.
I'm getting pretty sick of it, and BTW, don't ever ride with me.
They never get me for anything, but the delays are really too much annoyance-harassment, really.
Everywhere, apparently. Except in Costa Rica or Panama.
I'm thinking about it.
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