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On
August 31, 2001, the Santa Monica Police Department conducted a
Driver’s License/Driving Under the Influence checkpoint in
accordance with a State of California - Office of Traffic Safety (O.T.S.)
Grant. The O.T.S. grant entitled Removing Irresponsible Drivers (R.I.D.)
is designed to remove unlicensed drivers from the roadways.
The
checkpoint was located at the entrance to the 1550 Beach Lot, which is
located north of the Santa Monica Pier.
The purpose of the checkpoint was to remove irresponsible
driver from our roadways and to remove impaired drivers from our
roadways. According to Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, in one survey 79%
of the public approved of sobriety checkpoints.
The
Multi-agency Traffic Program, lead by the Santa Monica Police
Department, issued 97 citations and towed 56 vehicles for a variety of
offenses. One individual
was arrested for driving under the influence and child endangerment,
three individuals were arrested for Parole violations and one person
was arrested for giving false information to a police officer.
A total of 576 vehicles were stopped in a four-hour period.
Beverly Hills Police Department, California Highway Patrol
(West Los Angeles Office) and California State Parole participated in
this Traffic Program.
The
checkpoint was a very successful public relations event, providing
education and deterrence to those who passed through or by the
checkpoint. We received
positive comments from motorist contacted by our officers.
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