The Simple Answer: Just Obey the Law

As of Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Pilot article and the interview with Capt. Floyd Thomas regarding the enforcement activities of the Pinehurst Police Department (June 19) deserve further comment.

A few months ago, a citizen cited the rationale and rather alarming statistical results of check points for the year 2010 in a letter to The Pilot. The violation record was downright scary if you care about life safety on the road. Mind you, these check points were a total of 16 hours for the entire year!

For the current year, DWI arrests are down: six in 2010, two through May 2011, and some reduction has been seen with other offenses. The system appears to be working as far as cracking down on irresponsible driving is concerned. So-called “hidden observations” are done to inhibit drivers from believing that they can violate the law with impunity if no police cruiser is in sight. Complaints about police attitude (rudeness, etc.) have been few in number, and at least two were proven to be false when the video of the stop was reviewed. (Apparently many people are unaware that video cams record the stops.)

The answer to the complaints is very simple: Obey the law!

No one has the right to endanger others with inappropriate driving behavior.

One further comment is in order. The court system does not inhibit bad habits. One only needs to read The Pilot’s “Police Blotter” to appreciate this. I refer to the farce of “improper equipment.” When queried, the answer given is specious at best (don’t want the insurance companies to “profit” from law violation through the point system).

This practice has created a virtual annuity plan for attorneys and is where we should be complaining loudly.

Strict law enforcement benefits law-abiding citizens.

Dick White

Pinehurst

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Satch2929 1 year, 11 months ago

Everyone SHOULD obey the law. But, the reality is, everyone, at some time or another, breaks the law in some greater or lesser degree. On those occasions when this happens, officers should conform their demeanor to fit the crime/infraction committed. The "tough guy" mentality has no place for speeding 5 miles over the limit. (Unless the driver is hostile) It shows a lack of training and fear on the officers part, maybe even more profound issues. "Use of force" extends to the officer(s) presence, the uniform, the patrol vehicle, etc.... and most people become somewhat intimidated by it all.

RadioNC 1 year, 11 months ago

Excuse me? Where in the 17,000 pages of the North Carolina General Statutes does it require law enforcement to set up roadblocks, because I have yet to find it. It's a sad day in America when a law abiding citizen cannot go from point A to point B without having to stop at a Gestapo checkpoint to present papers. You may enjoy a police state, but I for one do not. Unless the police have probable, cause I expect them to observe every constitutional right of every American. Unfortunately, one by one, those rights are being eroded away.

olebaldy 1 year, 11 months ago

Just to answer your question and by the way it has been upheld by the US Supreme Court. § 20‑16.3A. Checking stations and roadblocks. (a) A law‑enforcement agency may conduct checking stations to determine compliance with the provisions of this Chapter. If the agency is conducting a checking station for the purposes of determining compliance with this Chapter, it must: (1) Repealed by Session Laws 2006‑253, s. 4, effective December 1, 2006, and applicable to offenses committed on or after that date. (2) Designate in advance the pattern both for stopping vehicles and for requesting drivers that are stopped to produce drivers license, registration, or insurance information. (2a) Operate under a written policy that provides guidelines for the pattern, which need not be in writing. The policy may be either the agency's own policy, or if the agency does not have a written policy, it may be the policy of another law enforcement agency, and may include contingency provisions for altering either pattern if actual traffic conditions are different from those anticipated, but no individual officer may be given discretion as to which vehicle is stopped or, of the vehicles stopped, which driver is requested to produce drivers license, registration, or insurance information. If officers of a law enforcement agency are operating under another agency's policy, it must be stated in writing. (3) Advise the public that an authorized checking station is being operated by having, at a minimum, one law enforcement vehicle with its blue light in operation during the conducting of the checking station. (b) An officer who determines there is a reasonable suspicion that an occupant has violated a provision of this Chapter, or any other provision of law, may detain the driver to further investigate in accordance with law. The operator of any vehicle stopped at a checking station established under this subsection may be requested to submit to an alcohol screening test under G.S. 20‑16.3 if during the course of the stop the officer determines the driver had previously consumed alcohol or has an open container of alcoholic beverage in the vehicle. The officer so requesting shall consider the results of any alcohol screening test or the driver's refusal in determining if there is reasonable suspicion to investigate further. (c) Law enforcement agencies may conduct any type of checking station or roadblock as long as it is established and operated in accordance with the provisions of the United States Constitution and the Constitution of North Carolina. (d) The placement of checkpoints should be random or statistically indicated, and agencies shall avoid placing checkpoints repeatedly in the same location or proximity. This subsection shall not be grounds for a motion to suppress or a defense to any offense arising out of the operation of a checking station. (1983, c. 435, s. 22; 2006‑253, s. 4.)

None 1 year, 11 months ago

I dont know Olebaldy! We are in America here, and we had roadblocks ONE weekend in the 80s in Anchorage, but in the last 30 years, l cannot recall one anywhere else in the state. Our state will not tolerate them. We believe in personal freedom, and it is something we can achieve with our low population. Just this summer they have started patroling for DUI's in the river in Fairbanks. I believe that too, will be very short lived. Troopers are only allowed to do the things that your legislators allow them to. If you want a change, contact your legislator!!!

None 1 year, 11 months ago

Yokonjohn ~ We have Rep's Jamie Boles and Harris Blake. One can talk into their hand and get the same results. Out of sight - out of mind, until next election. They are too busy with their personal agendas.

Yukonjohn 1 year, 11 months ago

You know Toda, I knew Jamie and his brother when they were kids and young teens, and they were both very good kids. I have not seen them but a couple of times in years, and being from West End, my folks have known Harris Blake for many decades. I have spoke to him on the phone a few times in the last few years, but I think that the populace has to contact them and try to get things changed. If we dont, we are forced to live under laws that are enacted by lawmakers whom have been tainted the lobby process and have nothing to do with representing US. Now, I will do as told a week or so ago and keep my opinion in Alaska....LOL Hope ya'll are having a great day in the Pines, it is beautiful here in interior Alaska.

golfin69 1 year, 11 months ago

Nice comment Olebaldy, I for one agree with random license and especially insurance checks getting in an accident with someone that does not have a valid license or insurance is a nightmare and it only takes two minutes to pull up show your license and off you go..Now I do not agree with pulling up to a license check and the officer does not tell you why the are conducting the checkpoint I think they should be informative to why they are stopping you but there are two many people riding around with out valid licenses just take a moment and look at the court docket...and I agree with Olebaldy if the Supreme Court says they are ok then I abide by them, and besides why should I get upset with the police its the Courts and attorney's that are making the laws....