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Date: 08/01/01 Revision: 12/16/1 4 Reviewed: 12/14/24 HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CHAD CHRONISTER , SHERIFF STANDARD OPERATING PROCED URE Number: GEN 510.052 Page: 1 of 2 SUBJECT: COMPREHENSIVE ROA DSIDE SAFETY CHECKPOINTS I. PURPOSE: The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to define guidelines for the utilization of Comprehensive Roadside Safety Checkpoints II. SCOPE: This procedure shall apply to all Sheriff's Office personnel. III. DISCUSSION: The enforcement of the DUI statute has become increasing ly more sophisticated. The use of properly administered and legally sound sobriety checkpoints can be a valuable tool in the detection and apprehension of impaired drivers. IV. DEFI NITIONS: A. Driver - A person who operates or is in physical control of a vehicle. B. DUI - Driving while under the influence of alcoholic beverages, chemical substances, controlled substances, or with an unlawful blood alcohol level as set forth in Flor ida law. C. Comprehensive Roadside Safety Checkpoints - Designated points on the roadway where vehicles are stopped or diverted by law enforcement officials in a specific sequence, for the purpose of evaluating drivers for sig ns of alcohol or drug impairment. The frequency with which vehicles are stopped or diverted depends on the personnel available to staff the checkpoint and traffic conditions. V. PROCEDURE: A. Checkpoints are authorized in a ccordance with current Florida law and are limited to the purpose of det ecting and apprehending impaired drivers , as well as checking for equipment violations, driver license violations, registrations, and other criminal and/or non -criminal violati ons. However, checkpoints established for the specific purpose of checking for equipment violations, registrations, or other non -criminal traffic violations are not authorized. B. Checkpoints should be authorized by the Department of Support Services Colon el prior to commencement. C. Checkpoints must be conducted accor ding to a previously drafted operational plan. Each checkpoint must have its own, individual plan that will address the following: 1. Date and times of the checkpoint. 2. Site location and set-up, including provisions for moving vehicles of impaired drivers to a safe location for sobriety testing. 3. Warning devices to be used to alert motorists of a checkpoint ahead. (Motorists must be given an opportunity to avoid the chec kpoint by choos ing an alternate route. Avoiding a checkpoint by executing a U -turn GEN 510.052 12/16/14 Page 2 of 2 or choosing an alternate route is not sufficient reason for a traffic stop, unless a violation is observed). 4. Sequence or schedule of stops, such as every other vehicle, every third, fourth, etc. 5. Method and length of detention. 6. Number of deputies assigned to the checkpoint and the role of each. 7. Contingency planning for inclement weather, traffic build -up, etc. 8. Actions to be taken in the event a driver refuses to stop after bei ng directed to, and what personnel are responsible for performing these actions. D. Checkpoints must be preceded by a briefing of personnel who will participate in the operation. The briefing will include the role of each deputy present, the detection and investigative techniques to be used, and establish the predetermined language to be used when making initial contact with drivers. E. Checkpoints must be supervised by law enforcement personnel hol ding the rank of Corporal or above, who wi ll supervise th e checkpoint during its entire duration. F. Checkpoints will have a designated recorder who will document pertinent information, to include: 1. Times the checkpoint began and ended. 2. Number of motorists detained. 3. Number of drivers tested for impairm ent. 4. Number of arrests, and the names of those arrested. 5. Contingencies that arose and the action taken, such as sequence changes due to traffic build -up, or suspense of activities due to inclem ent weather. G. The checkpoint supervisor shall submit a n after -action report to the Department of Support Services Colonel . The report will contain pertinent information, such as the number of motorists detained, the number of drivers tested, the number of arrests, and contingencies encountered. H. The DUI S quad supervisor shall maintain a record of each checkpoint conducted and furnish these records as necessary for cou rt or other official purposes. The record shall include copies of documents relating to the planning and conducting of the checkpoint, to inc lude the press release, the operation al plan, depu ty assignm ents, and recorder's notes. Chad Chronister Sheriff Amends or Supersedes :