OUI Checkpoint yesterday

[Racey]

The best way i can put it is this, I'm way more concerned while boating about being wrongfully harassed by law enforcement about some new rule or petty bullcrap they have passed as law this year, than i am about having a drunk driver cause an accident with me. and that's it in a nut shell.

 

[PolarBearKing]

The best way i can put it is this, I'm way more concerned while boating about being wrongfully harassed by law enforcement about some new rule or petty bullcrap they have passed as law this year, than i am about having a drunk driver cause an accident with me. and that's it in a nut shell.

I think most people feel that way until their life is forever changed by a drunk driver.

Like I said, a few years ago I was pulled into a checkpoint and thought for sure I was going to jail. Five minutes later I was on my way.... It's not as bad as most of what I've read on here.

Still I agree about the infringement on our rights. It's a catch 22. But if you're not breaking the law, you have zero to worry about. Fairly simple as far as I'm concerned. It's not like its a secret and they're making up the rules as they go. Last week there was a post on here about the checkpoint this weekend.

 

[djunkie]

Of course there is proof. Unions suck. Full of lazy a-holes that milk the system. How's that? :blah:

Nice. LOL!!!

 

[t&y]

Good job to any and all of the cops that were out there. I hope they took some drunks to jail.

 

[sergeantmike]

I am a retired cop.... never yanked anyone for things I did so long as they could maintain and behave accordingly.

Different times now... I hope the youngsters out there use some good judgement.

 

[NicPaus]

The concern I have with this stop is the part where they will not help hold boat while at dock. Who is responsible for the damage. The one time I was pulled over I advised my passengers to hold the sheriff boat so it would not scratch my boat. Cop flipped out and told them do not touch his boat. They could give a rats ass if your boat is damaged. Any way to make a claim against department for damage caused?

 

[Brian B]

^ Thats fugged up! The one time I have been stopped the cops were super cool and didnt mind us holding their boat to keep them from rubbing.


Who's had an OUI? Who's Had An OUI thread

 

[Brian B]

What rights do we have regarding boating stops? Can we request a docked and fendered inspection rather than risking damage to boat?

 

[t&y]

What rights do we have regarding boating stops? Can we request a docked and fendered inspection rather than risking damage to boat?

I have no idea about the specific regulations regarding boat stops. I don't work the boats. But given what we do and the case law surrounding traffic stops I would say NO you do not get the option to have a docked inspection. It would be the equivelant of telling the officer on the street... " I would feel more comfortable if you cited me while I was in my driveway so I'm just going to drive home and we can continue this there."

I've heard too many stories about people getting their boats banged up against the police boats to not recognize there is obviously a problem with the way some of them are conducting the stops. Wakes from other boats and constantly bobbing boats must make things kind of difficult but there should be safeguards in place to protect both boats from damage.

The only time i have been in a boat that was stopped was way back pulling out of Copper Canyon. The police pulled up, took the driver on thier boat for a Field Sobriety Check and backed away. That can't always be the way it's done but seemed reasonable to me.

If BoatCop does chime in I'm sure he can shed a little light on the subject.

 

[Brian B]

^ Well put.

 

[Racey]

I think most people feel that way until their life is forever changed by a drunk driver.

Like I said, a few years ago I was pulled into a checkpoint and thought for sure I was going to jail. Five minutes later I was on my way.... It's not as bad as most of what I've read on here.

Still I agree about the infringement on our rights. It's a catch 22. But if you're not breaking the law, you have zero to worry about. Fairly simple as far as I'm concerned. It's not like its a secret and they're making up the rules as they go. Last week there was a post on here about the checkpoint this weekend.

Have a cop sit there and grind his boot into the gel on the deck of your boat, and when you try to hold the boat off and help him he fucking comes unglued and tells you that you will be arrested. That is the type of attitude that most I have encounted have. Drunk drivers i can deal with, i'll avoid them, an over zealous official with the power to put you in cuffs send you to jail, and impound your shit wrongly i cannot deal with.

More people die in accidents involving sober individuals, accidents can happen, will happen, and no matter what the government tries to do they will always exist. I don't believe in sacrificing my liberty for my safety and security, they can take all my liberties away, but they can never make my life 100% safe, i'd rather be free to make my own choices, avoid and deal with drunk drivers on my own accord, not have them gestapo me and everyone else on the lake to catch a couple of drunks.

 

[YZFRider]

Being that I am on the water with a 10 month old little girl. I have no problem at all with check points. Anything that will deter people from drinking on the water which means keeping my family safe is welcomed.

 

[westair]

Being that I am on the water with a 10 month old little girl. I have no problem at all with check points. Anything that will deter people from drinking on the water which means keeping my family safe is welcomed.

I dont think a checkpoint is going to keep your family any safer, thats your job.

 

[icecreaman]

I think most people feel that way until their life is forever changed by a drunk driver.

Like I said, a few years ago I was pulled into a checkpoint and thought for sure I was going to jail. Five minutes later I was on my way.... It's not as bad as most of what I've read on here.

Still I agree about the infringement on our rights. It's a catch 22. But if you're not breaking the law, you have zero to worry about. Fairly simple as far as I'm concerned. It's not like its a secret and they're making up the rules as they go. Last week there was a post on here about the checkpoint this weekend.

This should be the case, but unfortunately not true. Not related to a check point, but a few years back i was arrested in Blythe by the Sheriff for drunk in public. Problem was I had not had ANY alcohol all day. I got into a disagreement with a employee at one of the camp sights. I parked out side and was walking in to deliver a message to my family sitting in the lagoon. He chased me down and started screaming at me I needed to pay day use fees to enter even on foot and even if I was only going to be there for a total of 2 Minutes. I told him I wasn't using his facility therefore I wasn't inclined to pay. The cop must have been around the corner because he was there in less than a minute. Instead of handling this like grown ups, I was placed in hand cuffs and hauled off to spend the next 8 hours in the freezer. It was the booking officer who told me what i was being arrested for. The arresting officer wouldn't even talk to me. After I got out I talked to the watch commander who informed me that they could hold anyone for 8 hrs without a charge. Didn't even need to perform a field sobriety test. He was very apologetic and agreed the arresting officer handled the situation poorly, that this was his way of defusing a situation, and he would talk to him but thats all he could do. Infringing on my rights, not a big deal to them.

 

[Hugh Jascaulk]

I was out with my buddy, who was out for the very first time in his new boat. It's the first boat he's every owned, so I tagged along to give him a hand and teach him the ropes. He saw Walt back into the docks, so he thought he'd do the same. As Walt was pulling out, he accidently gave the boat a quick burp of the throttle and was head straight at Walt's DCB. I immediately jumped to the back of the boat to make sure they didn't hit, and pushed his boat away. One cop on the dock was yelling at me to get back in the boat. Eff that guy, no way was I going to let them hit.

 

[Dettom]

I have no idea about the specific regulations regarding boat stops. I don't work the boats. But given what we do and the case law surrounding traffic stops I would say NO you do not get the option to have a docked inspection. It would be the equivelant of telling the officer on the street... " I would feel more comfortable if you cited me while I was in my driveway so I'm just going to drive home and we can continue this there."

I've heard too many stories about people getting their boats banged up against the police boats to not recognize there is obviously a problem with the way some of them are conducting the stops. Wakes from other boats and constantly bobbing boats must make things kind of difficult but there should be safeguards in place to protect both boats from damage.

The only time i have been in a boat that was stopped was way back pulling out of Copper Canyon. The police pulled up, took the driver on thier boat for a Field Sobriety Check and backed away. That can't always be the way it's done but seemed reasonable to me.

If BoatCop does chime in I'm sure he can shed a little light on the subject.

I gotta agree. There are two problems going here. One is the cops are getting bashed for having a checkpoint, which many feel is unneccessary. But what most people don't realize is, often the funding for those checkpoints comes from some sort of fed grant program and the agencies get strong armed into doing them..In other words the feds will say, "ok, if you want to continue to get X -amount of dollars to help with this, that and the other thing, you have to have a certain amount of programs, such as checkpoints or will we just yank your funding...So here, take some Stimulus money from the Obama Stash and be on your way." Second, I agree the cops could go along way in the PR department, if they would help out with buoys, docks and keeping the damge to a minimum. Never done water checkpoint but have done several vehicle checkpoints over the years.. You can't make everbody happy. Seen a lot of families destroyed from DUI fatalities too. Changes your perspective forever.

 

[bunkrepair]

IMO I don't think they should have these soo called safety checkpoints on the water, all it does is tie up officers who should be making sure people are not being idiots not harrassing the people who are enjoying the lake with friends and family

They should check for PDFs throw cushions and fire exstingishers at the ramps may cause a line but much easier on peoples boats and would take half the officers and would make people think safety before there on the water


Sent from the iPhone either on the lake or doing something other than sitting at the computer

 

[Ziggy]

Was it a multi-agency safety check? I'd be willing to bet there were Officers there that do not know boating etiquette and don't know that we protect our investments carefully from other boats and docks. To them we are moving around in a vehicle they are trying to address........on the street that could mean death to them.

 

[Ziggy]

Oh and BTW---I think its great some folks think Contact Point is the south end of the lake.

 

[PVHCA]

I would have told every single LEO to pound sand if they wanted me to back my boat into a slip. I would have instructed them to perform a safety check and give me a breath alyzer(sp) and that's all I was gonna do for them. If that's not good enough for those that think they are above the law or acting like most do and believe they are doing me a favor rather than their job, well than arrest me and my attorney will deal with them later.

I don't drink and boat and for anyone to assume and make me perform test that are un-called for is BS!!

 

[WTDecker]

I dont think a checkpoint is going to keep your family any safer, thats your job.

x2

 

[t&y]

Was the backing in really part of the check?

 

[Wicky]

Subject detour: Just wait until you have to wear your life jacket all day long and can't go swimming in the middle of the lake without one. I believe this, in turn, makes swimming illegal. Wearing life jackets will be justified just like the OUI checkpoints.
Yep, this too is also going to save lives.
Staying at home will save lives too.
Everything in life has an assigned risk, but is staying at home to be safe really living life because this is where our country is headed.
It's not the cops fault for the laws enacted, and it is their job to uphold the laws, but why do so many of them choose to be such assholes?
Sorry for my random thoughts for the day.

 

[YZFRider]

I dont think a checkpoint is going to keep your family any safer, thats your job.

It sure is my job and I do it just fine at it. But having less drunk idiots on the water makes my job a lot easier.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Was the backing in really part of the check?

No, its just the finger docks they had were about 10 feet long, if I pulled in facing forward, me, and my life jackets would be unaccessable, so I backed in. As I did it I joked with the cops, that I should be good to go, because if I was f'd up I wasnt going to be able to pull that off since it was so frikn windy. They didnt think I was funny.

 

[coz]

It sure is my job and I do it just fine at it. But having less drunk idiots on the water makes my job a lot easier.

Agreed, and I'm one of the few here that would like to see drinking on boats illegal. :thumbsup

 

[That Guy]

Thank god there wasn't a check point at my pool this weekend.....:champagne:arty:

 

[PolarBearKing]

This should be the case, but unfortunately not true. Not related to a check point, but a few years back i was arrested in Blythe by the Sheriff for drunk in public. Problem was I had not had ANY alcohol all day. I got into a disagreement with a employee at one of the camp sights. I parked out side and was walking in to deliver a message to my family sitting in the lagoon. He chased me down and started screaming at me I needed to pay day use fees to enter even on foot and even if I was only going to be there for a total of 2 Minutes. I told him I wasn't using his facility therefore I wasn't inclined to pay. The cop must have been around the corner because he was there in less than a minute. Instead of handling this like grown ups, I was placed in hand cuffs and hauled off to spend the next 8 hours in the freezer. It was the booking officer who told me what i was being arrested for. The arresting officer wouldn't even talk to me. After I got out I talked to the watch commander who informed me that they could hold anyone for 8 hrs without a charge. Didn't even need to perform a field sobriety test. He was very apologetic and agreed the arresting officer handled the situation poorly, that this was his way of defusing a situation, and he would talk to him but thats all he could do. Infringing on my rights, not a big deal to them.

Ummm, you admtted that you broke a law (trespassing, disturbing the peace, whatever). I wasn't there so I can't (and won't) comment on how you acted with the cop or why he acted the way he did. What I will say, is that politeness goes along way when dealing with LEO's. I've been wrongly acussed and arrested before. It sucked, but the cops were cool cuz I knew it wasn't gonna do me any good to argue with them, or heaven foorbid, resist. Like you, I was out of there the next day, not much else to do about or say about it... Looking back at it, I bet you wish you would've just paid the day use fee. LOL

 

[PolarBearKing]

Thank god there wasn't a check point at my pool this weekend.....:champagne:arty:

We're gonna need pics.

 

[Nolan@Nicholas]

No, its just the finger docks they had were about 10 feet long, if I pulled in facing forward, me, and my life jackets would be unaccessable, so I backed in. As I did it I joked with the cops, that I should be good to go, because if I was f'd up I wasnt going to be able to pull that off since it was so frikn windy. They didnt think I was funny.

Sober with nothing to hide
5 drunk nurses with you
Twin engine DCB

Its not that you were not funny... They probably just had some jealous rage against ya...

 

[PolarBearKing]

Have a cop sit there and grind his boot into the gel on the deck of your boat, and when you try to hold the boat off and help him he fucking comes unglued and tells you that you will be arrested. That is the type of attitude that most I have encounted have. Drunk drivers i can deal with, i'll avoid them, an over zealous official with the power to put you in cuffs send you to jail, and impound your shit wrongly i cannot deal with.

More people die in accidents involving sober individuals, accidents can happen, will happen, and no matter what the government tries to do they will always exist. I don't believe in sacrificing my liberty for my safety and security, they can take all my liberties away, but they can never make my life 100% safe, i'd rather be free to make my own choices, avoid and deal with drunk drivers on my own accord, not have them gestapo me and everyone else on the lake to catch a couple of drunks.

Again, I don't know you or the situation. You are right, it would suck to have a cop "grind his boot into your gelcoat", but that doesn't seem to be the majority of the peoples experience here. Besides, shoe polish buffs right out with a little wax & elbow grease. Approaching it with that attitude will get you on your way much quicker. Just because your boat (not picking on Racey here) is worth more then the whole LEO crews annual salary, doesn't mean you get to tell the cops what to do or how to do itheir job.

I have found that giving them a little respect gets me the same courtisy(sp?) in return.

 

[PolarBearKing]

I dont think a checkpoint is going to keep your family any safer, thats your job.

If it were only that simple...

 

[Tom Brown]

Approaching it with that attitude will get you on your way much quicker.

I tend to approach it with the attitude that if COPs are law breaking thugs, though ought to go go jail just like anybody.

A traffic stop or safety check should not have the flavor of a mafia shake down.

I have found that giving them a little respect gets me the same courtisy(sp?) in return.

Indeed.

 

[DaveC]

Wrong. Destroying peoples personal property under the guise of authority is wrong. Especially when its avoidable. Even when its not the city is still liable for damages

I am with you on the respect thing though. But respect is a two way street.

Im all for letting the police fire do their jobs but care should be taken when able to do so.

Again, I don't know you or the situation. You are right, it would suck to have a cop "grind his boot into your gelcoat", but that doesn't seem to be the majority of the peoples experience here. Besides, shoe polish buffs right out with a little wax & elbow grease. Approaching it with that attitude will get you on your way much quicker. Just because your boat (not picking on Racey here) is worth more then the whole LEO crews annual salary, doesn't mean you get to tell the cops what to do or how to do itheir job.

I have found that giving them a little respect gets me the same courtisy(sp?) in return.

 

[PaPaG]

It sure is my job and I do it just fine at it. But having less drunk idiots on the water makes my job a lot easier.[/QUOTE]

X2


My View: Most of these current check points are a HUGE waste of time, money and just a bullshit show.....If they really wanted to make an impact they would put the check points where it would make the most sense and where the most suspected drunk driving traffic would likely be....

Put a check point in a "NO WAKE" area like the gorge and Marina / ramp areas so the water is much calmer and there are no boats blasting by. Rig the LEO boats with buoys resulting in much less chance of damage to a boaters rig...(results, the boat owner would not get as upset being stopped when they know their boat is safe from damage and they will be back on their way in less than 5 minutes)...

Conduct these checks after a day of boating from 12:00 noon to 6:00/7:00pm (still light til 800/830pm during the season)..

AND GUESS WHAT? you are going to get ONE OF TWO MAJOR RESULTS......Either a shit load of FUCKING drunk driver idiots off the water and in Jail where they belong or a SHIT load of Sober DD drivers making the water ways a much safer place to be your family and friends...

Lots talk such with a self righteous don't step on my rights tune......wait til a loved one is KILLED BY A DRINK DRIVER then see how you feel and react.......Driving a boat or a vehicle does not give a person the RIGHT to be an idiot and risk the life of others.....when an idiot drunk driver thinks they can do whatever they want at the cost of another persons right to be kept safe then its time for big brother to come in and smack you in the face and pocket...

I hate big brother as much as the next guy but when idiots go running ramped then someone has to step in and take control of these idiots....

JMO shared by most responsible level headed boaters

 

[Guest]

Were any noise tickets given.... I wonder if Boatcop can be lured out of his self imposed exile to explain heavy handed cops damaging someones personal property.....under the guise of making the water safer......I doubt it...

If someones gelcoat was damaged due to the police action, someone should be made to pay, period.

 

[Racey]

Lots talk such with a self righteous don't step on my rights tune......wait til a loved one is KILLED BY A DRINK DRIVER then see how you feel and react.......Driving a boat or a vehicle does not give a person the RIGHT to be an idiot and risk the life of others.....when an idiot drunk driver thinks they can do whatever they want at the cost of another persons right to be kept safe then its time for big brother to come in and smack you in the face and pocket...

I hate big brother as much as the next guy but when idiots go running ramped then someone has to step in and take control of these idiots....

JMO shared by most responsible level headed boaters

Is there more of a reason to harness hatred if your loved one is killed by a drunk idiot driver vs sober idiot driver?

It's not so much about a self righteous stance, it's about reality, i've said it a hundred times and i'll repeat it again, I have much more trust in a very qualified driver/operator that is blowing a 0.08 than an idiot, unqualified, unexperienced driver/operator blowing a 0.0. You can't fix stupid, our system puts way too much bearing on alcohol as the certain culprit, when in most situations it's an idiot, or a drunk idiot that causes an accident. But idiot none the less being the common problem. The thing is, you can't ticket or arrest idiocracy. People who say that no one is a safe driver at a 0.08 are either dishonest, stupid, or a combination of the two. The fact of the matter is idiots are the root of the problem on the water, give an idiot alcohol and it's even worse, but reality dictates that person was not safe to be driving before they've even had their first drink. But hey, they aren't drinking so they are good to go.

 

[t&y]

Were any noise tickets given.... I wonder if Boatcop can be lured out of his self imposed exile to explain heavy handed cops damaging someones personal property.....under the guise of making the water safer......I doubt it...

If someones gelcoat was damaged due to the police action, someone should be made to pay, period.

If I or my partners kick in a door on a warrant or damage something else we submit a damage claim and the department will cover it.

I'm sure each department has sometype of system in place for this. I've never worked a boat detail nor do I really want to so I don't know how they handle complaints like that but it's probably pretty similar.

I would be curious to hear from someone who has filied a damage claim against the cops for this type of situation. I hear about it all the time on boards like this but don't ever hear how it was handled once off the water.

 

[coz]

Is there more of a reason to harness hatred if your loved one is killed by a drunk idiot driver vs sober idiot driver?

It's not so much about a self righteous stance, it's about reality, i've said it a hundred times and i'll repeat it again, I have much more trust in a very qualified driver/operator that is blowing a 0.08 than an idiot, unqualified, unexperienced driver/operator blowing a 0.0. You can't fix stupid, our system puts way too much bearing on alcohol as the certain culprit, when in most situations it's an idiot, or a drunk idiot that causes an accident. But idiot none the less being the common problem. The thing is, you can't ticket or arrest idiocracy. People who say that no one is a safe driver at a 0.08 are either dishonest, stupid, or a combination of the two. The fact of the matter is idiots are the root of the problem on the water, give an idiot alcohol and it's even worse, but reality dictates that person was not safe to be driving before they've even had their first drink. But hey, they aren't drinking so they are good to go.

Can't fix stupid also applies to those that think it's ok to drink and drive and think someone blowing a .08 is a qualified operator too

 

[K25DAYTONA]

No pics of the OUI Checkpoint?

 

[PaPaG]

Is there more of a reason to harness hatred if your loved one is killed by a drunk idiot driver vs sober idiot driver?

It's not so much about a self righteous stance, it's about reality, i've said it a hundred times and i'll repeat it again, I have much more trust in a very qualified driver/operator that is blowing a 0.08 than an idiot, unqualified, unexperienced driver/operator blowing a 0.0. You can't fix stupid, our system puts way too much bearing on alcohol as the certain culprit, when in most situations it's an idiot, or a drunk idiot that causes an accident. But idiot none the less being the common problem. The thing is, you can't ticket or arrest idiocracy. People who say that no one is a safe driver at a 0.08 are either dishonest, stupid, or a combination of the two. The fact of the matter is idiots are the root of the problem on the water, give an idiot alcohol and it's even worse, but reality dictates that person was not safe to be driving before they've even had their first drink. But hey, they aren't drinking so they are good to go.

I can agree to some point but I have to say that I have personally seen and have read way to many reports and outcomes of a .06 or a .08 or even the old number of .10 that has killed or injured someone including themselves directly caused by being under the influence.... Are there sober idiots that cause wrecks YES are there some that should never get behind the wheel YES...but factually a .08 is NOT safer than someone that has NO alcohol in their system. Just not correct.

I can argue that out of 1000 people driving at a .08 I can almost guarantee that 95% + have lost a measurable amount of both reaction time and judgement from what they would have had prior to being under the influence. It is just a fact...People think they can do things better while under the influence and facts state differently.

 

[WTDecker]

I'm sure glad I don't boat on weekends. During the week is the only way to go! Don't have to deal with all the BS out there, you know, idiots, drunks and useless checkpoints.

 

[Ultracrazy]

Were any noise tickets given.... I wonder if Boatcop can be lured out of his self imposed exile to explain heavy handed cops damaging someones personal property.....under the guise of making the water safer......I doubt it...

If someones gelcoat was damaged due to the police action, someone should be made to pay, period.

Ineresting point of view. Boatcop always gave good honest answers. I don't blame him for not posting here.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[Guest]

Ineresting point of view. Boatcop always gave good honest answers. I don't blame him for not posting here.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

I never said anything about his answers, You find my point of view about the police destroying peoples property.....interesting?

 

[PolarBearKing]

No pics of the OUI Checkpoint?

If there aren't any pictures then it never happened ...

 

[shintoooo]

I never said anything about his answers, You find my point of view about the police destroying peoples property.....interesting?

BoBo Sucks

 

[Ultracrazy]

I never said anything about his answers, You find my point of view about the police destroying peoples property.....interesting?

Did I say anything about damage. And who said anything about "destroying" anything. I read damaging.......plus there are policies in place to handle these situations.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[squirtnmyload]

It sure is my job and I do it just fine at it. But having less drunk idiots on the water makes my job a lot easier.

i think there is way more inexperienced idiots on the water than the drunk idiots. those are the ones that worry me.

 

[WTRR]

A totally different perspective, but from what I've seen on the site, you guys have a whole lot less water and a lot of boaters. If I had to deal with the crowds on Parker and Havasu, I'd sell my boat and take up hang gliding...no shit.

 

[Brian B]

A totally different perspective, but from what I've seen on the site, you guys have a whole lot less water and a lot of boaters. If I had to deal with the crowds on Parker and Havasu, I'd sell my boat and take up hang gliding...no shit.

Where do you go boating?