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Determining the Effectiveness Of Flexible Checkpoints
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2017-05-01
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[PDF-1.54 MB]
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Abstract:Flexible checkpoints are sometimes referred to as “phantom checkpoints,” ”public awareness checkpoints,” “mobile awareness patrols,” and “mock checkpoints.” This checkpoint strategy involves staging a checkpoint, but not actually staffing the checkpoint or stopping drivers. Instead, as an example, a BATmobile, a DWI trailer, or another kinds of enforcement vehicles are parked on the side of the road and signs are positioned to indicate that DWI checkpoint activity is about to begin. Only one or two officers or auxiliary personnel are needed to work one of these checkpoints. The “checkpoint” can be readily moved to other locations during the evening. No drivers are stopped and no arrests are made at flexible checkpoints unless a driver provokes attention due to an unsafe driving action while passing by the checkpoint area. However, the primary objective of a checkpoint-awareness and hopefully deterrence-is accomplished by the number of drivers observing the law enforcement activity. During this project, we reviewed flexible checkpoint activity nationwide, identified jurisdictions with experience conducting them, and discussed issues involved in implanting such programs. We learned that flexible checkpoints are a versatile, low-cost tool that virtually any size law enforcement agency can adapt to enhance enforcement and increase public awareness of enforcement efforts. A field test of the effectiveness of flexible checkpoints was conducted by the Illinois State Police in Madison County with Winnebago County serving as a comparison site. Checkpoint activities, termed Roadside Safety Checks (RSCs) in Illinois, were conducted monthly at both sites during 2009, with flexible checkpoints augmenting the RSCs in Madison County. ISP headquarters and field staff were supportive of the flexible checkpoint concept, thought this concept was practical and easy to implement, thought it would enhance the potential general deterrence effects of standard RSCs, and said they planned to use flexible checkpoints in the future. While we found no adverse effects resulting from the implementation of flexible checkpoints, positive effects that can be attributed to flexible checkpoints have not been definitely proven. The evaluation did not show a significant reduction in the odds of a single-vehicle nighttime crash in the test community. The results of a public survey of drivers did not produce an increase in public awareness of checkpoint activity. A larger scale multisite study of this concept may more definitively address the issue of the effectiveness of this (as yet not demonstrably effective) strategy. The use of flexible checkpoints is gaining acceptance with law enforcement agencies. The agencies we contacted had not encountered any adverse publicity and believe that flexible checkpoints are useful and economical. They believe flexible checkpoints expand the general deterrence reach of their other DWI countermeasure enforcement strategies.
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