2010 News Releases

Date:

September 13, 2010

For More Information Contact:

Officer Katie Flood, Public Information Officer, 402.441.7226

Sergeant Elgin Kuhlman, Northwest Team, 402.441.7209

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"Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving" Enforcement Summary

Last week, Lincoln Police Department's Northwest Team coordinated a saturation detail and a sobriety checkpoint to impact drivers under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Funding for this increased enforcement was provided by a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS). The saturation detail was conducted September 9, 2010 with a zero tolerance approach to impaired drivers. During this enforcement, two officers concentrated on reducing on-view crime and traffic offenses.

Totals for saturation enforcement:

3	Official citations
19	Warning citations
1	Driving under the influence
1	Narcotics arrest

The sobriety checkpoint was held on Friday, September 10, 2010 from 10:30 pm-2:30 am. Seven hundred thirty two vehicles passed through the checkpoint on Cornhusker Highway, State Fair Park Drive-N. 31st Street with 183 of those drivers contacted.

Checkpoint totals:

18	Official traffic citations
5	Misdemeanor arrests
4	Driving under the influence
3	Driving under suspension
4	Fail to signal
4	No insurance
3	No operator's license
1	Invalid registration
2	Minor in possession
1	Open container
1	Possession of drug paraphernalia
1	False information

The drivers contacted were asked three specific questions to elicit feedback regarding the checkpoint.

Survey Results:

#1) Do you believe the checkpoint is fair?

154 -Thought it was fair, 3 - Did not, 1 - Unsure

#2) Do you mind being stopped as part of this checkpoint?

139 - Did not mind, 19 - Minded, 0 - Unsure

#3) Do you believe checkpoints help deter impaired driving or help in creating a safe environment for motorists?

149 - Thought it helped, 5 - Did not, 3 - Unsure