Checkpoints As A Tool
• Detecting impaired operators
– Difficult because of no lines or roadway
– Sober operators drive like impaired ones
• Evaluate safety equipment compliance
– Compliance data cannot be based on PC stops
– All operators contacted at any given location
– Snapshot of education or enforcement needs
• Increase public awareness
• Acts as a deterrent
Planning Concerns
• Location – Location – Location
– Safe initial contact
– Primary contact area
– Secondary processing area
• Legal authority
– Developing a Plan of Operation
Safe initial contact area
• Must provide notice of checkpoint
• Easier to gain attention in ‘no wake’ or harbor areas
• Keep distances short between initial and primary contact
areas (dock)
Primary contact area
• Provide safe contact of operators
• Accommodate approx. 60 vessels/hour
• Usually need about 10 slips
Secondary processing area
• Seating for at least 6 subjects
• Preferably shaded area
• Rest areas for officers with water
Evidentiary breath testing
• Anti-surge hookups w/ cooling sources
• Coordination of Quality Assurance procedures
• Proper safe keeping of records
Legal Climate
• Delaware v. Prouse (1979)
– Applied a balancing test
» Systematic stopping procedures
(No random or discretionary stops)
» Public interests vs. Recreational activity
» Limited intrusion (by time of contact usually
< 3 minutes)
» Required a planning document
(removes officer discretion)
Legal Climate
• Florida v. Casal (1982)
– Reaffirmed the public’s interest in boating safety
outweighing private interests
– Authorized random stops for safety inspections
because no other effective means of enforcement
exists
Legal Climate
• City of Indianapolis v. Edmond (2000)
– Limited scope of checkpoints
» Reaffirmed public safety interest in
alcohol impairment
» Secondary purposes for generalized
crime control are prohibited
The Plan of Operation
• Guided by U.S. Supreme Court
• Purpose
States enforcement focus
Factual basis
• Minimizes Intrusion
Description of systematic procedures
Limited duration
• Limitations of Conduct
Written description of duties
Addresses non-discretionary issues
The Plan of Operation
• General Public Notification
• Notice of Approaching Checkpoint
• Value added sections
– Procedural Guidelines
Used to address or minimize intrusions
– Impounds/seizures
– Personnel assignments
Helps sort out witnesses later
Helps assess manpower needs
O.U.I. CHECKPOINT PLAN OF OPERATIONS
__________(Insert Area)_____________
_______(Insert Body of Water)___
(Date)
Preliminary Statement
Cooperating
Agencies:
___________________________________________________________,
______________________________________________________________________.
Officer in charge: Operations: _____________________; Media Contacts: ___________________.
Location: __________________________________________________________________, Mohave County, State of Arizona.
Date: ____________
Time: ___________________________________________
Authority to conduct checkpoint: Arizona agencies' statutory authority to conduct such a project is found within Arizona Revised Statute Title 5,
Section 391.B. As peace officers in the State of Arizona, with concurrent jurisdiction on (BODY OF WATER), agencies are authorized by law to
enforce all statutes regarding watercraft enforcement. Pursuant to ARS §37-620.11.A., the state of Arizona recognizes the concurrent jurisdiction
of Nevada by interstate compact, where mutually "prohibited conduct is committed anywhere on the boundary water between the two states".
The Arizona Game and Fish Department's Mission is to provide "safe watercraft recreation for the enjoyment, appreciation, and use of present and
future generations." AGFD protocol (Department Policy H1.8 and Commission Rule R12-4-308) for Wildlife Check Stations will be adapted for
use on this project.
History
(DESCRIBE BODY OF WATER, LOCATION, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WITH SUPPORTING STATISTICS.) An example is: Lake
Mohave is a portion of the Colorado River located within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, between Hoover and Davis Dams and forms
state boundary waters for Nevada and Arizona. Lake Mohave is within four hours travel time from Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. This
close proximity to these major metropolitan areas accounts for the large number of watercraft users that recreate on Lake Mohave. Lake Mohave
is Arizona's second most utilized lake in terms of recreational boating. Statistics compiled by the National Park Service indicate use peaks in the
month of June with approximately 150,000 visitors projected for 2002. Lake Mohave serves approximately 1.5 million visitors yearly. A recent
survey
OUI TASK FORCE
PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENTS
Contact Officers:
1. _________________
Officer in Charge:
______________________
(Secondary) ____________________
2. _________________
3. __________________
Media Contacts:
___________________
4. __________________
5. __________________
6. __________________
7. __________________
8. __________________
9. __________________
10. _________________
11. _________________
12. _________________
On-The-Water Contact Officers:
1. PWC--_____________
2. PWC--_____________
3. PWC--_____________
4. Contact/Chase Craft
1. __________________
Intoxilyzer Officer:
_________________________