Two arrested at police checkpoint
The Atascadero Police Department Traffic Unit arrested two suspects during a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Dec. 19 on Morro Road between the hours of 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.
A vehicle was stopped in the area of the checkpoint after making an illegal turn to avoid the checkpoint. In the vehicle two people had outstanding warrants for their arrests. One was also arrested for possession of heroin for sale and the other for possession of methamphetamine for sale. There were no DUI arrests.
Police checkpoint stats
- 699 Vehicles Screened
- 0 DUI-Alcohol suspects arrested
- 0 DUI-Drug impaired suspects arrested
- 1 Suspects arrested for illegal drugs (possession/transportation/sales)
- 4 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
- 2 Arrested on other Criminal Charges
- 0 Citations issued
Purpose of checkpoints
The police checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drug driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public, according to a report from the department.
DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries, the report says. A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drugged impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Ninety Percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.
Special enforcement patrols will continue
Atascadero Police Department will be conducting more DUI saturation Patrols during the winter mobilization period in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.
The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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