Riverside, North Riverside Police Arrest 21 at Roadside Checkpoint

Submitted by the Riverside Police Department.

Riverside and North Riverside Police Departments conducted a roadside Safety/DUI checkpoint on June 19 at Harlem/Ogden and 29th/Harlem between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.

Checkpoints were placed in locations that have the most opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving prevention and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

Roadside Safety DUI/checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries. A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drug impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints provide the most effective documented results of any DUI enforcement strategies, while yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.

“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be significant in Cook County. Safety checkpoints provide beneficial methods to remove impaired drivers from our roadways,” said Riverside Chief Tom Weitzel. North Riverside Deputy Police Chief Debbie Garcia stated, “Illinois roadways are still among the safest in thenation, but to meet future mobility, safety, and sustainability objectives, we have to create safer roadways for all - and Roadside Safety Checkpoints help to accomplish that.”

• 355 Vehicles screened (total-both locations)
• 4 Open/transportation alcohol citations issued
• 2 DUI-Impaired suspects arrested (DUI)
• 1 Suspect arrested for illegal drugs (cannabis)
• 21 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked and DUI
• 1 Felony Revoked Driver’s License Arrest (prior DUI conviction)
• 77 Citations issued

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Report Drunk Drivers by calling 911.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled that roadside safety checks are not an impermissible intrusion on a motorist’s 4th Amendment rights, and are necessary to prevent danger on our roads and highways.