St. Tammany News

A DWI checkpoint will be conducted tomorrow somewhere in Mandeville between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.

The Mandeville Police Department will partner with the Causeway Police Department to conduct the first Driving While Intoxicated Checkpoint of the year. Mandeville Police Capt. Ron Ruple said checkpoints are very effective when raising awareness to the public about the penalties they can face if driving under the influence of any substance. If arrested for driving while intoxicated, depending on the offense, you could face fines from $300 to $5,000 and up to 10 years of jail time if convicted for a fourth offense.

"They are definitely a positive thing," Ruple said. "Even if you have a small number of arrests during a checkpoint, it sends a message."

That message can be conveyed to several hundred drivers during a single checkpoint.

The last checkpoint was conducted in Covington and was in conjunction with two other law enforcement agencies, including Mandeville P.D.

"The last one we did in Covington, we may have only made seven arrests, but about 800 cars came through so a large number of people are made aware of it," Ruple said.

Ruple said the secret to a checkpoint's success is keeping the citizens happy by moving them in and out quickly to avoid a pileup.

According to recent reports, DWI arrests have declined in Mandeville from 140 made in 2003 to 104 made last year. Ruple attributes this decrease to an increase in checkpoints across the area.

"It's a proven thing," Ruple said. "It's that deterrent factor we try and get out to the community."

He also said the officers will be watchful of other violations while interviewing the driver.