2009 News Releases

Date:

November 2, 2009

For More Information Contact:

Officer Katie Flood, Public Information Officer, 441.7226

Sergeant Michon Morrow, Northeast Team, 402.464.6007 x8309

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October Safety & Sobriety Enforcement Summary

To coincide with National Impaired Driving Enforcement Weeks, Lincoln Police Department's Northeast Team coordinated several saturation details and a sobriety checkpoint. Funding for this increased enforcement was provided by a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

These saturations details took place Friday, October 23, 2009, Saturday, October 24, 2009 and Friday, October 30, 2009. Saturation enforcement consists of officers concentrated into a small geographic area focusing on reducing on-view crime and traffic offenses.

Totals for saturation enforcement:

51	Official traffic citations
102	Warning citations
5	Driving under the influence
5	Driving under suspension
25	Minor in possession
5	Open container
3	Warrant arrests
1	Possession of drug paraphernalia
1	Littering

The enforcement culminated with a sobriety checkpoint from Saturday, October 31st, 10pm-November 1st, 2:30am. Over 500 vehicles passed through the checkpoint on N. 48th Street/Francis Street-Garland Street, with 131 of those drivers contacted.

Checkpoint totals:

10	Official traffic citations
19	Warning citations
3	Driving under the influence
2	Minor in possession
4	Open container
1	Fail to comply

The drivers contacted were queried as to whether they believed the checkpoint was fair, whether they minded being contacted and whether they feel checkpoints deter drunk driving.

Survey Results:

#1) Do you believe the checkpoint is fair?
126-Thought it was fair, 4- Did not, 1- Unsure

#2) Do you mind being stopped as part of this checkpoint?
117- Did not mind, 13- Minded, 1- Unsure

#3) Do you believe checkpoints help deter impaired driving or help in creating a safe environment for motorists?
118- Thought it helped, 10- Did not, 3-Unsure

Sergeant Morrow and the Northeast Team would like to express sincere gratitude to all of the designated sober drivers and their passengers, as well as those who chose to take a taxi home following the Halloween festivities. Their responsible decisions helped to make the roads safer for Lincoln citizens, their families and friends. Numerous designated drivers and taxi drivers passed through the checkpoint with intoxicated passengers. It was a positive message that repeat reminders of the dangers of impaired driving are being heard and increased enforcement is making an impact.