midnight check point

[joebanks]

My co-worker was pulled over at a DUI checkpoint Friday night. She was driving from our building to the main campus to have midnight lunch with other people on our shift. I usuallly ride with her, but 'harry stopped by to have lunch with me outside the building. The police had a car with lights on in the middle of the street and were randomly waving some people through and directing others to take the test.

My co-worker was directed into an empty parking lot, where she was met by officers, one on each side of the car. The officer on the driver's side asked her questions:

"How are you?"

"Where are you going?"

"Lunch!?" as if a cop who works at night doesn't understand the concept of lunch, at night.

All the while, the officer on the other side of the car is probing her car with a flashlight, checking what she has in her back seat, on the floor, her eyes.

After the short interview, she was sent on her way, without having too submit to a test.

She was shaken by the encounter, as i would have been, i took 'harry home by the same route but was waved on when i passed the checkpoint. 'harry and i disagree on the issue, she finds a legitimate tool of enforcement, i find it to be a violation someone's right to drive down the street.

Thoughts, either way?

Comments

[kabuldur.livejournal.com]

Definitely a violation of people's right to drive down the street. If you are breaking the law, then fine. Otherwise the public shouldn't be hassled, I think.

[papoose.livejournal.com]

I don't have enough information to decide. My initial reaction is hell no they should not do it, but they may have a rationalization I am not aware of.

[eats-veggies.livejournal.com]

I thought you were supposed to have probable cause before harassing people...... but these type of road blocks are familiar in the military environment (where one has little or no rights)

[koppenhaver.livejournal.com]

Sobriety checkpoints are common country-wide, so I assume they are not done in violation of any citizenry rights. Otherwise the ACLU would be attacking! By the way, I think the "flashlights" have alcohol sensors on them, providing light and smelling for booze.