NEWS RELEASE

RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT

NORTH RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT

23 June 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Roadside Safety/DUI Checkpoint Nets 21 Arrests

Riverside and North Riverside Release Joint Mission Results
Riverside and North Riverside Police Departments conducted a roadside Safety/DUI checkpoint on Friday,
June 19 at Harlem/Ogden and 29th/Harlem between 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 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 the
nation, 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 Drivers 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 motorists 4th Amendment rights, and are necessary to prevent danger on our roads and highways.
Point of contact for this media release for the Riverside Police Department is Chief Thomas Weitzel who can be reached
at 708-447-2127 or tweitzel@riverside.il.us. Point of contact for the North Riverside Police Department is Deputy Chief
Debbie Garcia who can be reached at 708-447-9191 or dgarcia@northriverside-il.org

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