West Hollywood will host a DUI checkpoint conducted by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department on Saturday, December 13th. The location is as yet undisclosed, but the checkpoint will be held from 7 p.m. Saturday night until 3 a.m. Sunday morning. During that time, deputies will screen drivers for signs of being under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, as well as checking for warrants and valid driver’s licenses.
DUI checkpoints in Los Angeles County are nothing new, and neither is posting them ahead of time. According to reports, preemptively alerting the public about an upcoming DUI checkpoint can reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions by up to 20%.
Those who disagree with announcing DUI checkpoints beforehand state that impaired drivers will simply alter their route in order to avoid the checkpoints. Also, many detractors cite the fact that DUI checkpoints often result in very few arrests. Back in September, for instance, a DUI checkpoint was held in Hollywood and only 7 arrests were made, and 3 of those were not alcohol or drug related.
Regardless, conducting the checkpoints can send out a powerful message to the community at large that driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol will not be tolerated by law enforcement and that they are keeping a vigilant eye out for anyone doing so. DUI-related arrests often come with pretty stiff penalties, even for a first offense, in an attempt to dissuade individuals from even attempting it.
12-5-2014
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