Sobriety Checkpoints-Question

[chazz]

This question is to all The LEO's here who have ever been a part of a Sobriety Checkpoint: Have you ever had anyone who actually turned around and went the opposite way of the checkpoint to avoid having to be searched because they were drunk or some other reason? If so, and you witnessed them turning around, do you go after them at that point?

[zap]

What...do you think it is just a coincidence that a Road Nazi sets up at the last available turn-off before the checkpoint?

[JediMaster]

I myself have pulled up to a checkpoint and then turned around. This is not while I was drinking at all, but because I didn't want to wait in the line of 50 cars. I turned around and knew a shortcut through a business district and they even had one patrol car down there, he stopped me, saw I looked sober, and waved me on through.

[Rule303]

....... do you go after them at that point?

You betcha.

[dcg729]

to set up a portable sign on the interstate warning of a drug/DUI checkpoint ahead, then they set up at the end of a long winding exit ramp where the only people they dealt with were those trying to avoid what was "ahead", Surprise ! Surprise !

[chazz]

Thanks guys. Also I was wondering usually how many officers do you use when running one of these check points?

[JediMaster]

It depends on many circumstances mainly what the surrounding area is. If it's right off of a highway, then you have to think how many exits are there, how many ways for people to avoid the checkpoint, do you have a decent location to pull cars over into, etc. I know one we did Memorial Weekend we had about 15 officers on it from 3 agencies (ours, the county, and the state) all working together.