Valley Bureau Sobriety Checkpoint NA09335ne

What:
Sobriety & Drivers License Checkpoint

When:
Saturday, December 19, 2009
6:00 PM – 1:00 AM

Where:
Vineland Boulevard near Vanowen Street in North Hollywood

Who:
Emergency Operations Division and Valley Traffic Division

Why:
The purpose of the sobriety checkpoint is to reduce the number of traffic collisions involving intoxicated drivers and hit and run collisions. As of November 14, 2009, the North Hollywood Area has endured over 162 driving under the influence-related collisions.

Motorists approaching a checkpoint will see informational signs advising them that a sobriety checkpoint is ahead. Once diverted into the lane, motorists will be detained only a few moments while an officer explains the purpose of the checkpoint.

The sobriety checkpoint will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines for checkpoint operations in the Supreme Court decision, Ingersoll vs. Palmer. Traffic volume permitting, all vehicles will be checked. If volume becomes too heavy, vehicles to be checked will be selected by a pre-set standard (such as every 3rd or 5th vehicle) to assure objectivity.

The Los Angeles Police Department is well aware that placing checkpoints on roads with identified DUI problems and detaining drivers for a very limited time “helps to assure that the Department conforms to the Ingersoll guidelines. Sobriety checkpoints tend to reduce the number of drinking drivers on the road, even though arrest totals do not rise dramatically. A major value of checkpoints is their psychological influence.

For further information, please contact LAPD Media Relations, 213-486-5910..