Date of Release: August 27, 2008

Reference: Sobriety Checkpoints / DUI Enforcement

Chief Michael J. Magnant of the Portsmouth Police Department, working with many of the NH Seacoast Chiefs of Police, Lt Scott Carr of the New Hampshire State Police Troop A, Sheriff Dan Linehan of the Rockingham County Sheriffs Department and Chief Eddie Edwards of the New Hampshire State Liquor Commission, will continue the effort to apprehend drunk drivers in the City of Portsmouth and other seacoast communities by conducting sobriety checkpoints. One of these Checkpoints will be occurring in the Portsmouth area during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. This will be followed by DWI Hunter Patrols.

Sobriety Checkpoints have had proven success in the apprehension of drunk drivers in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and elsewhere. We are confident that these upcoming checkpoints will be no exception. Sobriety checkpoints are supported by the NH branch of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) and the use of checkpoints to deter drunk driving has been approved by the New Hampshire Supreme Court.

Chief Magnant, Lieutenant Carr, Sheriff Linehan, Chief Edwards and other seacoast chiefs of police share M.A.D.D.’s determination to end this senseless crime. Motorists are forewarned that we will make every effort to apprehend drunk drivers and ask that patrons of bars and restaurants in the Seacoast make the right choice: use designated drivers, cabs or call a friend; when you drink and drive you risk your life and put others’ lives in danger.

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