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Courtwatch : Other Information
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SEDGWICK COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT DUI SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT 07/16/2010 DUI VICTIM CENTER * WAS PRESENT * On Friday July 16th, 2010 the DUI Victim Center of Kansas attended a DUI checkpoint at the 21st and Ridge Road location. The Sheriff’s Department conducted the checkpoint, and was led by Sgt. Troy Wells. DUI Checkpoints are just one strategy used by law enforcement to deter drunk driving.
Results of DUI Checkpoint:
241- Vehicles Stopped
3- DUI Arrests Made
2- Transporting Open Container (TOC)
2- Driving While Suspended (DWS)
5- Minor In Consumption (MIC)
Discussion of DUI Checkpoints:
The success of a DUI Checkpoint is not measured by a high number of arrests. The ultimate goal of a DUI checkpoint is to deter a potential impaired driver from even making the decision to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol. For this reason, the checkpoints are publicized, in order that driver’s who would normally drive while impaired, will make the decision not to, as the risk of being caught is significantly higher. A person will more often than not, commit a crime because the person has the belief that they will not be discovered. According to the “National Hardcore Drunk Driving Project,” it states that, “Research has shown that likelihood of apprehension is more important in deterring offenders than is the severity of punishment. The key to creating this perception is enforcement. Merely putting strong laws on the books is not good enough. Enforcement efforts must be sustained and well publicized and create a realistic threat of apprehension (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety 2000).” (The Century Council) The same literature reiterates the importance of public awareness of DUI Checkpoints, “Based upon previous research and some of the implications from this study, a State impaired driving enforcement program is more likely to be successful if it incorporates (a) numerous checkpoints or highly visible saturation patrols conducted routinely throughout the year along with mobilized crackdowns and; (b) intensive publicity coverage of the enforcement activities, including paid advertising (NHTSA 2008).” (The Century Council) The perception of risk of arrest acts as a deterrent.
As DUI strategist struggle to protect innocent citizens from the dangers of impaired drivers on the road, low numbers of arrests indicate that there were low numbers of impaired drivers on the road that night in that area. The ultimate goal is to reduce drunk driving, by utilizing a combination of effective methods.
Dra- Aguilar
The National Hardcore Drunk Driver Project. “The National Agenda: A System to Fight Hardcore DWI.”
www.centurycouncil.org
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