In an attempt to keep the state’s roadways safe, officers in northeast Mississippi have been on a strict patrol ever since the end of December. Rather than let up now that the holidays are over, police departments in the region say they will continue with active enforcement to try and catch drunk drivers.
One Mississippi Trooper said that the law enforcement agency would keep troopers working high-traffic areas as well as conduct safety checkpoints and saturation patrols to ensure the safety of Mississippi motorists. Police will especially be relying on checkpoints which officers see as their most effective deterrent.
The saturation of officers appears to have worked, at least in terms of racking up arrests. Over the New Year’s holiday period troopers in northeast Mississippi made 50 DUI arrests. The numbers are significant and represent about 37% of all the DUI arrests made across the state. In a bit of good news, the number of people arrested this year is lower than the number nabbed last year, hopefully a sign of things to come.
As Mississippi drivers know, it’s almost impossible to prepare for a DUI checkpoint once you’re already out. There’s rarely much warning and once you’re there you’re stuck. If you find yourself at such a checkpoint, remember a few things.
Most importantly, stay calm. Though you may be nervous around officers, try not to panic, as nervousness can seem suspicious to the police. Make sure your license and registration is handy, as you don’t want to be fumbling around while a flashlight is aimed at you.
Stay calm if asked to get out of your vehicle and don’t lean on your car as this can send the wrong message. While you are required to answer general questions concerning your personal information, you do not have to answer probing questions concerning your whereabouts or if you’ve been drinking. It’s well within your rights to tell the policeman that you’re exercising your right to remain silent.
Anyone facing a conviction for drunk driving should not do it alone. It is important to have the assistance of effective counsel on your side. If you or someone you know in northeast Mississippi or the surrounding area is dealing with a possible DUI conviction, call the Mississippi DUI defense attorneys at The Stroud Law Firm today. They will vigorously advocate on your behalf.
Source: “Post-New Year’s DUI strategies continue,” by C.J. LeMaster, published at WTVA.com.
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