DUI Check Point going in to Indian Creek 3/24/17

Charlie S wrote: Well hey, everyone wanted federal protection. So, here's your government sponsored protection. It's a two-edged sword.

Sigh. Do you really need someone to explain to you the difference between setting aside land for protection on the federal level versus a (potentially) over zealous local cop/sheriff setting up DUI checkpoints? Conflating the two as equivalent examples of "government protection" is approaching going full retard.

And no, cops can't just impound your car on "suspicion" of DUI unless its pretty f'ing clear your loaded. I've been through many DUI checks and always had the cop just wave me on because they had bigger fish to fry. As Eric Carlos said, don't get shitty and drive and there won't be a problem. As others have said, I fricking hate drunk drivers and have zero issue with cops cracking down (and this is coming from someone who thinks desert dirt roads and a couple of road sodas is totally fine).

Ahhh...spring....when the license plates in Indian Creek turn green...

J. Albers wrote: Sigh. Do you really need someone to explain to you the difference between setting aside land for protection on the federal level versus a (potentially) over zealous local cop/sheriff setting up DUI checkpoints? Conflating the two as equivalent examples of "government protection" is approaching going full retard. And no, cops can't just impound your car on "suspicion" of DUI unless its pretty f'ing clear your loaded. I've been through many DUI checks and always had the cop just wave me on because they had bigger fish to fry. As Eric Carlos said, don't get shitty and drive and their won't be a problem. As others have said, I fricking hate drunk drivers and have zero issue with cops cracking down (and this is coming from someone who thinks desert dirt roads and a couple of road sodas is totally fine).

Common sense prevails on MP once again.

J. Albers wrote: Sigh. Do you really need someone to explain to you the difference between setting aside land for protection on the federal level versus a (potentially) over zealous local cop/sheriff setting up DUI checkpoints? Conflating the two as equivalent examples of "government protection" is approaching going full retard.

I was alluding more to the BLM patrolling of campsites. But what do I know? It's not like I live here or anything.

RKM wrote:Broken Chair: I really think they (LEO - as you call them) are out to investigate drunk or impaired driving. I really don't think they are going to search a car with someone obviously not impaired. And, what could they possible find in your car if you have nothing illegal or nothing to hide. I guess they could cite you for not have a front license plate on your car - I've had that happen at a DUI check point. A simple $40, same as not wearing your seat belt. Big deal! I hate drunk driving, I really, really hate drunk driving. And support any way to slow it down.

The "If you have nothing to hide, why do you care if you're searched?" argument is the WRONG type of pragmatism to embrace in my opinion. But, that's just me, you do you bro!

Drinking and driving is clearly a terribly risky, selfish and stupid damned thing to do. But if you aren't doing that, and haven't broken any other laws, don't allow yourself to be profiled for your license plate.

EDUCATE YOURSELF:

youtu.be/3kVX6NIPzB0

I was in the Creek that weekend and passed through the checkpoint that night on my way back into Moab for food. 10-12 officers. Asked us where we were from and if we had been drinking. Let us pass without searching our vehicle but did walk around and use their flashlights to look in. Strange place for a checkpoint though. I didn't see many people in the Creek that weekend. Thanks to the girl from Salt Lake City we shared a beer with for the heads up on the way out

GLD wrote: Here's a novel idea.....DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE! If you follow that rule you won't have to worry about DUI checkpoints, and if you don't follow that rule, I hope you lose your license. No need for rights if you have nothing to hide! Trust your government.

10-12 LEO vehicles maybe. They set up just past the dip in the road with the flood signs. Seemed more like 20 officers. They checked my buddy's ID and shined a light around our console. Weird scene all around but not a big deal if you gave them no cause.

climbing friend,

in your country it is tradition and probably cause for police to search the vehiclez and/or use excessive force on those peoplezes that are not of the white skin, correct? 

Oh yeah! I meant to post up, we ran into that check point, and having this heads up made it less of a shock! They were pretty far down the flats. I would echo there were a TON of officers for that type of thing, in that area. Asked for my (the driver's) ID, asked if I had been drinking, sent me on my way. They were nice enough, but what overkill.

Aleks Zebastian wrote:

climbing friend,

in your country it is tradition and probably cause for police to search the vehiclez and/or use excessive force on those peoplezes that are not of the white skin, correct? 

Dude, I didn't know you were so woke. 

I got pulled over by sheriffs there going 15 over the limit ( that road is looong). They did not write me a ticket and said instead they were looking for drunk drivers so I got a warning. No search. I agree with other posters, why is it a big deal? You should not be driving drunk anyways. 

Me and two other climbers got busted there that night for weed. Towed out cars and posted over $1300 in bail. Huge bummer - even heard from other drivers that they weren't even looking for drunks.. hence the drug dogs and complete disregard for my numerous open containers.

Warning: Utah has not joined reality yet

Connor Garrett wrote:

Me and two other climbers got busted there that night for weed. Towed out cars and posted over $1300 in bail. Huge bummer - even heard from other drivers that they weren't even looking for drunks.. hence the drug dogs and complete disregard for my numerous open containers.

Warning: Utah has not joined reality yet

So you had open containers and they didn't even cite you for those? Those assholes!  

Cops always have your back. 

http://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/16/justice/new-mexico-search-settlement/

Connor Garrett wrote:

Me and two other climbers got busted there that night for weed. Towed out cars and posted over $1300 in bail. Huge bummer - even heard from other drivers that they weren't even looking for drunks.. hence the drug dogs and complete disregard for my numerous open containers.

Warning: Utah has not joined reality yet

It sounds like you have yet to join.

Utah cares far more for weed busts than DUI's. A DUI in Utah is nothing like Colorado. Ass backwards for sure.

BTW, "Momoface" is still top 3 fave MP usernames. Would love to know the story.

Hank Caylor wrote:

Utah cares far more for weed busts than DUI's. A DUI in Utah is nothing like Colorado. Ass backwards for sure.

BTW, "Momoface" is still top 3 fave MP usernames. Would love to know the story.

I wish I had a better story, but my name is Mo, I had a girl friend in college call me MoMo, and she would get drunk and call me MoMoFaaaaaaaaaace. That, and I wanted to escape my RC.com username because I was kind of an internet dick back in the day.

(from the perspective of someone whose aunt was killed by a drunk driver)

1) these sorts of checkpoints seem like a huge opportunity cost for law enforcement-- 12 LEO vehicles for a DUI checkpoint? In the moab area, that must represent a significant portion of there law enforcement personnel. Seems like a pretty poor use of police resources. 

2) don't drink and drive

San Juan County is one of the poorest counties in the state. That whole Bears Ears National Monument generating tourist income to the neighboring communities argument was pretty weak, IMO from the perspective of San Juan County residents. If anything, the only place benefiting is Moab, if climbers decide to splurge that is. Residents of La Sal and Monticello lost their opportunities for job prospects (I'm not advocating for the oil and gas exploration jobs as I find that unsustainable in the long run, but in a short-term and from a perspective of people living there, I can understand their frustrations). Yeah, so why not fleece them tourists by putting DUI checkpoints.