Date of Release: June 10, 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 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 this summer commencing in June of 2008. DUI Hunter saturation patrols throughout the seacoast will supplement this effort.

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, 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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