---

A checkpoint coordinated by the Monmouth County DWI task force will be in front of police headquarters on Main Street from 11 p.m. Friday night until 3 a.m. Saturday morning, according to task force coordinator Michael W. Palmer, Brielle Police Chief. Motorists will be randomly pulled over from the southbound lane into the municipal parking lot to determine sobriety.

The Monmouth County DWI task force is run by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and the Monmouth County Chiefs of Police Association.

At its checkpoints, the task force randomly pulls over vehicles to check for drivers operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. During the stop, officers may discover other offenses for which motor vehicle summonses or criminal charges may be issued. Those with outstanding warrants may also be taken into custody.

In most circumstances, an officer must have probable cause to believe a crime or motor vehicle offense is occurring to stop an automobile. However, an exception is made under the law for DWI checkpoints, such as those run by the county DWI task force, that randomly pull over vehicles in areas where DWI offenses happen with some degree of frequency.

Publicizing the date, time and location of a checkpoint helps give fair notice to the public and increases the constitutionality of the stop of the vehicles.

————————————————–

Follow the Asbury Park Sun on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

---