Policy Text
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT
MANUAL
RM 537.03
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT MANUAL
06-06-13
TO: ALL PERSONNEL
General Order 110.01 implements this manual and requires personnel know its contents and follow its
guidelines when planning and conducting sobriety checkpoints. This policy statement is an expansion of the
General Order.
It is in the best interest of the community and the Sacramento Police Department to conduct sobriety
checkpoints in an effort to deter impaired motorists from driving on public streets. It is equally important to
ensure that a perception of a risk of apprehension is maintained, and to increase the public's awareness of the
problem of drinking or using drugs and then driving.
Additionally, so that this manual shall remain as contemporary, viable and useful as possible, employees shall
report, through the chain of command, to the Chief of Police (COP), any discrepancies they discover between
the contents of this manual, current law, and acceptable police procedures. Any procedural changes made to
those outlined in this manual shall be at the direction of the COP.
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT MANUAL
RM 537.03
Page 2 of 4
I. PURPOSE OF SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS
The purpose for establishing Sobriety Checkpoint shall be to:
A. deter impaired motorists from driving on public streets and highways, and to create a perception of
"risk of apprehension".
B. reduce alcohol/drug related accidents.
C. remove impaired motorists from the roadways.
D. increase public awareness of the problem of drinking or using drugs and operating a motor vehicle.
E. remove unlicensed/suspended drivers from the roadways and impound their vehicles.
II. FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN ESTABLISHING CHECKPOINTS
State of California, Attorney General's Opinion (September 8, 1986).
Checkpoints are legal if conducted with safeguards which minimize the intrusion on motorists. Factors to
consider in conducting sobriety checkpoints include, but are not limited to:
A. the location of the sobriety checkpoint.
B. the time and duration of the sobriety checkpoint.
C. the method of operation of the sobriety checkpoint.
D. advance publicity of the sobriety checkpoints.
E. advance warning to approaching motorists.
F. fear and anxiety generated in sobriety checkpoints.
G. the maintenance of safety conditions.
H. the average time motorists are detained.
I. standards set by superior officers.
J. the discretion left to field officers.
K. The effectiveness of sobriety checkpoints.
III. SELECTION OF CHECKPOINT LOCATIONS
A. The location of checkpoints shall be approved by the Area Captain. The following criteria shall be
considered when choosing a location of a checkpoint.
1. Incidents of DUI-related activity such as arrests or accidents.
2. Volume of traffic flow.
3. Speed limits.
4. Lighting.
5. Existing traffic controls.
6. Visibility.
7. Space for Field Sobriety Testing Station and Breath Intoxilizer Station.
8. State highways involved.
B. Upon approval of a site, a diagram of the location showing the checkpoint layout shall be completed.
IV. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Personnel assigned to the checkpoint shall include DUI trained officers, an appropriate number of reserve
officers, CSOs, VIPS and police cadets to fulfill the following assignments.
A. The Checkpoint Supervisor shall oversee the entire checkpoint operation.
B. Uniformed officers shall be assigned as Greeters/Screeners to initiate the first contact with motorists
and shall be trained in the detection of impaired drivers.
C. Uniformed officers shall serve as Field Sobriety Testers/Drug Recognition Evaluators. Those
functioning as testers shall have been trained in conducting Field Sobriety Tests (FST), and those
functioning as Drug Recognition Evaluators shall be certified.
D. Log/Time Keepers may be police cadets, student trainees, volunteers who maintain a log of vehicles
passing through the checkpoint, the time duration of contacts as required, and record the number of
motorists diverted to the FST station.
E. Transportation/Booking officers may be either Level 1 reserve or sworn officers.
F. One or more marked police vehicles shall be available for use as chase vehicles for motorist (s) who
run the checkpoint site.
G. Officers or reserve officers shall monitor cones and barricades throughout the checkpoint.
V. RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
A. Marked police vehicles
B. Flares
SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOBRIETY CHECKPOINT MANUAL
RM 537.03
Page 3 of 4
C. 28” reflective cones
D. Official Traffic Signs
1. Sobriety Checkpoint Ahead (at least 2)
2. Sobriety Checkpoint
3. Prepare To Stop; or, Stop Ahead
4. Stop
5. Lane Closed Ahead (Left or Right)
6. Lane Closed (Left or Right)
7. Merge
8. Have driver’s license ready.
E. LED Programmable sign boards (if available) to include any of the above messages or combination of
them.
F. Appropriate sign stands
G. Command Post Van
H. Portable lighting
I. DUI, Arrest, Booking and Vehicle Log forms
J. Handout materials
K. Stop watch
L. Generator
M. Barricades
N. Arrest Kits
O. Extension Cords
P. Portable Intoxilizer
Q. PAS Devices
R. Equipment Trailer
S. Tow Vehicle
T. Tow Forms.
VI