LAW ENFORCEMENT

What is Checkpoint Strikeforce?

Checkpoint Strikeforce is a research-based, multi-state, zero-tolerance initiative designed to get impaired drivers off our roads using checkpoints and patrols when and where drunk driving is most likely to occur and, to educate the public about dangers and consequences of drunk driving. The premise behind this program is simple, there will be sobriety checkpoints, every week, every where - in each participating state - so you never know when or where you may encounter one.

The program began in 2002 as a six-month initiative but due to its success, was expanded to a year-round effort in 2005. The year-long program is comprised of six months of intense enforcement (At least 1 checkpoint per week from July through December) and six months sustained (At least 1 checkpoint per month from January through June). The checkpoints can be multi-agency, cross-jurisdictional, low-manpower, conducted during happy hour, or any other innovative type. Every checkpoint should be highly publicized and visible and ideally supplemented with saturation patrols.

Although Checkpoint Strikeforce began as a mid-Atlantic region program (including the state of DE, MD, PA, VA, WV and the District of Columbia), efforts are underway to expand the initiative to other states. We welcome any and all law enforcement agencies interested in combating drunk driving to join "the force". For further details on how your law enforcement agency can become part of the Checkpoint Strikeforce team, call 410-962-7942.

Why Checkpoints?

Sobriety checkpoints have been shown to be an important component of a comprehensive program to reduce drunk driving. Research had shown that sobriety checkpoints can reduce alcohol-related crashes anywhere from 18 to 26 percent.

High visibility enforcement, that included a minimum of one checkpoint per week in addition to DUI saturation patrols, were combined with paid media to create a heightened awareness of impaired driving enforcement throughout the region.

Since 2002, CPSF has held over 5,000 checkpoints throughout the region. The results of these checkpoints include over 2.9 million vehicle contacts resulting in over 5,000 DWI arrests.

It is important to note that although checkpoints are the main ingredient of the program, saturation patrols and other innovative drunk driving prevention enforcement efforts complete the recipe.

The History of Checkpoint Strikeforce

2002

In conjunction with the You Drink & Drive, You Lose national mobilization, the States in the Mid-Atlantic Region developed a checkpoint program - Checkpoint Strikeforce (CPSF). In the first year of this unprecedented border-to-border law enforcement effort, which began June 28, 2002 and continued through New Year's Day, 2003, the Mid-Atlantic Region states conducted more than 700 checkpoints resulting in a total of 9,086 citations that include 1,731 DWI/DUI arrests, 198 juvenile DWI/DUI arrests and 480 seatbelt/child safety seat citations

2003

In the second year of Checkpoint Strikeforce, the Mid-Atlantic Region states topped the first year's effort by conducted nearly 900 checkpoints. This stepped-up effort resulted in a total of 24,629 citations that include 2,514 DWI/DUI arrests, 1,437 safety belt/child safety seat citations, and 189 felony arrests.

2004

The states in the Mid-Atlantic Region increased their efforts again and for the third year's effort, conducted 940 checkpoints. These checkpoints resulted in 3,201 DWI arrests, 2,235 safety belt/child safety seat citations, and 265 felony arrests.

2005

In calendar year 2005, Checkpoint Strikeforce became a year-long program. The states were asked to conduct at least one checkpoint per month during January through June, and continue to conduct one per week during July through December. The number of checkpoints increased slightly, but high enough to break the one thousand checkpoint barrier and total 1,056 with 2,520 DWI/DUI arrests.

2006

In calendar year 2006, the states in the Mid-Atlantic Region soared to new heights by conducting 1,533 checkpoints (preliminary - numbers will only increase!). The number if DWI/DUI arrests doubled to 5,051.