Gringo wrote on Jun 2, 2008 1:55 PM:This is getting sick! That's just way too many non licensed and un insured. Definitlely have to make the penalties much more severe.

Jamys wrote on Jun 2, 2008 3:03 PM:I have to obey the laws. I have insurance that I can barely afford, I had to take time off work to go get my DL. I hope the penalties are at least enough to pay for the time EPD had to stand out in the street for the check point. I used to watch then do check points from my office window, it was pretty entertaining

I agree with Gringo wrote on Jun 2, 2008 3:34 PM:They are catching this many with perodic stops? Tells me we need more check points and with ICE there the word will get around and we will find fewer illegal drivers. Chief, protect your citizens call ICE to join in on the check points.

Lazy wrote on Jun 2, 2008 4:07 PM:Haw haw, the checkpoint was DIRECTLY in front of the police station!! How lazy can they get??

To Jamys wrote on Jun 2, 2008 4:59 PM:Yes, me too, but when we try and enforce the laws we are "dicriminating" against those that have already broken the law once, or so they claim it's dicrimination, which in reality it is not. Coincidence that this many people are getting their cars impounded? NO!
Just criminals trying to get away with more criminal activity.
And no we won't give them licenses because they crossed the border without documents.
Keep these checkpoints going, they are working.

CrmeHater wrote on Jun 2, 2008 6:45 PM:I support these checkpoints one hundred percent, but only because it takes the resolve of the Escondido PD and city government to compensate for what our Federal Government refuses to do - control our borders.
These stops are definitely annoying, but they are necessary until taxpayers get the Federal support here in Southern California which we deserve.
If the border was controlled, we could also shut down those annoying checkpoints at the truck scales on I-15 and at San Onofre.
Law-abiding US citizens shouldn't have to bear the burdens created by the criminal behavior of illegal invaders, so when our officials catch and convict these crooks, the bad guys should be forced to pay society back for their crimes before they are deported.
Seize their cars and assets and send them all packing, I say . . .

Hey Gringo wrote on Jun 2, 2008 7:33 PM:Don't you want to know the last names, so you can get the "demographics?" Quit yer whinning!

To Lazy wrote on Jun 3, 2008 4:46 AM:Haw-haw? Lazy? These guys walked out their front door and they were THIS effective! You call it lazy. I call it using your head. Good job, EPD!

dave from oceanside wrote on Jun 3, 2008 5:12 AM:And this was the result from one checkpoint location.
This should tell you how bad thing are on the road.
We need more checkpoints.

To to Jamys wrote on Jun 3, 2008 6:35 AM:Please work on your use of English and your spelling before you post.

first offense wrote on Jun 3, 2008 6:37 AM:for not having a license is about $360, which is a fix-it ticket, but illegals can not get them fised because they can not get a license. First offense for no insurance is $701.

To date wrote on Jun 3, 2008 6:43 AM:per Escondido Police Department website under news. As of June 1, 2008, 213 vehicles including commercial trucks have been impounded by the EPD. This does not include the day to day impounded cars. Now if this isn't even half the year, can you imagine how many more are out there, that haven't been caught?

Check point Charlie wrote on Jun 3, 2008 7:51 AM:EPD keep on keeping those drunk, uninsured and unlicensed drivers off the road.

Now we need Carlsbad, Oceanside, San Marcos, Ecinitas and other N. County cities to step it up too.

Great Job!

To CrimeHater wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:03 AM:I'm on the opposite side of this issue than you are but I really liked your post's overall message of having to sacrifice for the general good. The only thing I can't buy into is that you seem to believe that every single person stopped who is a violater is also an illegal alien. In truth, I don't know what the numbers are but I would be willing to bet a months pay it ain't so.

Concerned One wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:34 AM:Of course not all who were caught were illegal, but it's fair to assume the vast majority were. This is a very real public safety issue. Unlike the ICE raids on manufacturing facilities where hard working people are incarcerated while sleazy employers walk free, these unlicensed and uninsured drivers endanger the public. What say Tina and sdraoul?

daily checkpoints wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:01 AM:on Escondido Blvd would pay for the officers to staff it, there are so many unlicensed drivers running stop signs, lights and running into others. The one who knocked me off my motorcycle spoke English until the police showed up (she only stuck around because she was kept from fleeing) then she only knew Spanish. She whined as they took the car from her, but she should have been jailed.

bd wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:09 AM:Who cares if they're illegal or not, just get the drunks and unlicensed/uninsured off the road. Good job!

tis so wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:35 AM:i'd be willing to be it is so, CrimeHater.

To daily checkpoints- wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:54 AM:it would be great for the EPD to set up a checkpoint on Escondido Blvd, but they usually set these up in locations where it is difficult for oncoming vehicles to avoid going thru them by turning around, like on roads with extended curves with center dividers such as Valley Parkway near the EPD, and Bear Valley Parkway near San Pasqual High School. These checkpoints are great, and I wish the EPD did them more often as they would easily pay for themselves. Keep it up, EPD!

Keebler wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:59 AM:To "To to Jamys Jun 3, 2008 6:35 AM:"
There is nothing wrong with the USE of my English, however the word "discrimination" was a typo.
If you need me to explain what was written, it is simply, people without a drivers license, without insurance or being drunk or intoxicated from any drug should not be on our roads, and the checkpoints should continue.

To lazy--they're not exactly the sharpest tools in the shed when they drive in front of the police station while committing a crime. Not a bit lazy.

Al wrote on Jun 3, 2008 12:37 PM:These check points are the best thing since sliced bread! Where is ICE? They should also be there apprehending the undocumented drivers, no if's and and's or but's!

Beth wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:23 PM:I discriminate everyday! I discriminate what I will eat drink drive and on and on. To discriminate is to make good choices.

anotherview wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:51 PM:Good citizens obey the law, and expect others to do the same. A rational society follows this view as a means of realizing civil order, and in turn public safety. The quality of community life rests on this public safety and the tranquility it fosters for all concerned. In fact, the highest function of government involves maintaining and furthering public safety. Trust in government grows from success in this function. By their failing to obey the law, scofflaws, criminals, and other lawbreakers subtract from the quality of community life. Hence, let us applaud the City of Escondido police department for nabbing the various lawbreakers at traffic checkpoints. This law enforcement promotes the quality of community life.

bryan wrote on Jun 3, 2008 1:53 PM:Escondido city council just might turn this city around.

Robert wrote on Jun 3, 2008 3:17 PM:Awesome; totally awesome. Alright Hamilton!!! Sorry, just had to borrow that line from Fast Times at Ridgemont High!

Keep up the great work, EPD!! What a great location (just take a look around the surrounding area to see the demographics; no breaking news that the area is also home to he West Side gang and the Diablos), and no surprise that the high percentage of unlicensed/uninsured drivers are located nearby either. Folks, the law pertains to all of us. Only those who choose to break it have to pay the piper. It couldn't be any fairer than that, so please don't hit me with your racist cries. It is what it is, and the law sees no color. Again, great job EPD. Keep it up!!!!

Great Job wrote on Jun 3, 2008 4:17 PM:A car can cause death and tragedy in an instant. Only licensed drivers with proper training and adequate insurance should be on the road. The safety issues take precedence over the convenience of undocumented foreigners.

Stop Hit and Runs wrote on Jun 3, 2008 4:22 PM:The police chief is wasting time explaining department immigration policy. A better use of his time would be to explain US laws for drivers involved in an accident. Unlike Mexico, the police do not place a driver in jail just because the driver is in an accident. If the driver is not a fault, there is no reason to run. Even if the driver is at fault, criminal charges are rare. Yet, too many drivers get in accidents or hit pedestrians, and then speed off leaving the tragedy behind.

GREAT Job wrote on Jun 3, 2008 4:24 PM:Escondido Police!!! Keep up the good work! We could use a couple of these EVERY day and maybe we could clean up the city. Can ICE help out?

Look at it this way wrote on Jun 3, 2008 4:25 PM:if you haven't been trained to use a pistol, you have no business using one.

CrimeHater wrote on Jun 3, 2008 5:39 PM:I realize that some of those stopped and/or cited aren't illegal aliens.
As far as I'm concerned, crime is crime. I'm an equal opportunity CrimeHater . . .
As a victim of personal damage from a drunk illegal alien driver who fled the scene when he collided with my vehicle, however, I can tell you the danger of this category of criminals (illegal alien drivers)is very real.
If it weren't for a Good Samaritan following the bad guy in my case, I probably would have been saddled with a $6,000 bill to pay myself, but fortunately the creep's (legal)brother who owned the truck was insured and was forced to pay every penny when his bro was deported.
I applaud these checkpoints because they also serve the added function of identifying and (hopefully) neutralizing to some degree the potentially dangerous behavior of those illegal aliens too ignorant or disrespectful of the safety of those here legally.
If you sneak into a country illegally, then continue to break that country's laws, are you really surprised when the locals fight back?
Well, judging by the responses from the American patriots responding to this article, I'd say you shouldn't be . . .

Whats the Constitution Say wrote on Jun 3, 2008 6:37 PM:Amendment 4: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Three birds with one stone wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:43 PM:When these offenders get tired of the checkpoints they will move to another town which will reduce the number of Gang & Graffiti incidents.

Re Constitution wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:53 PM:The supreme court has ruled the safety of the public over rides the rights of those who violate the law without concern for the public`s safety

Robert wrote on Jun 3, 2008 9:05 PM:To "Whats the Constitution Say": Driving is not a right; it is a privilege. I have the right to be protected while I have the privilege of driving. Folks who choose to disobey our laws and disregard the safety of others have lost their rights, and deserve to be punished. If these law breakers were not here or breaking our laws in huge numbers, we probably wouldn't need these check points. Keep reading the Constitution and I am sure you will find another Amendment that deals with unlawful entry/actions.....

what part of the Amendement dont you understand wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:15 PM:The 2 genius posters above mention laws. Actually All of the posters do. You do understand that these "laws" CAN NOT VIOLATE the Supreme Law of the Land. The 4th amendment is LAW.... and any b/s law that violates it is not valid. Side note... lol... your day is coming... it'll happen to you..... I will claim ignorance as you all have done. Happy Trails =P

Constitution Says wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:17 PM:You have the right to accept the risk of what may happen to you on the road, regardless of whose fault it is, and seek remedies if you or your property are injured/damaged. While I agree with you that those who disobey laws and injure others deserve just punishment, your logic of unconstitutional searches without probably cause purports that the primary presumption is guilt. Driving privileges do not trump constitutional protections.

The Liberator wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:28 PM:What a bunch of naive coward sheep. I swear to God I live in a country of little children. You SUPPORT these checkpoints? Are you seriously that dumb?

Yes...."don't ever question the men in the blue uniforms, they are there to PROTECT you! THEY could never be corrupt or have incentive to screw you over!

Cops are always good. Always!...."

The Founders secured a legacy of liberty and a bunch of pampered dumbed down sheep trash it constantly by worshipping the fascist police state. I've never been so ashamed of my country....

Re Constitutioin wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:30 PM:The responses to what the constitution says are pathetic. This "Public saftey exemption" nonsense is the kind of stuff Hitler used to lock down Germany. There are other constitutional ways to enforce the various violations without unlawfully detaining the public at large. Those who give up their rights for security (saftey) will loose both. I urge you to think carefully on this.

DaveW wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:31 PM:Driving is a privilege???? You have got to be kidding me! Read the below quote and then think of why this nation started out so great. The main reason we have as many problems as we do today is because we don't follow the Rule of Law, our Constitution.

QUOTE:
Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.
Benjamin Franklin

Then think about the checkpoints in Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and see if that is where you want to go with the US. Don't forget about our new National ID card.

Tom from Europe wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:32 PM:Dear Robert

I am writing to you from former communist country, because you sound exactly the same like the former Comunist regime. They had always found a good reason to check us and always found something. I have never thought i will see on my own eyes that America is converting to Soviet Union, while Soviet Union (Russia) is more free and capitalist than ever.

Enraged wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:36 PM:It's good to see Commie-fornia hasn't lost it's touch. I think the majority of people posting their dribble should move to china. We have laws which stem from the constitution. Remember...give'em an inch and they'll take a mile.

Amendment 4: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

Wake up morons. The govt. can catch illegals without checkpoints. Oh yeah....stop hiring them! Stop hiring the people who hire them! Now that's a thought. Boycotting those who actively hire illegals. WOW! Am I a genius? No need to answer....I am.

Let Me See Your Papers wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:43 PM:America is the most fascist nation on earth. The people now applaud the police state. This is ridiculous. Glad I moved out of your town, your state, and your country. In Japan, the checkpoints are real simple. You blow in a device and move on. You don't present license, registration, or anything. Just blow in the alcohol detector and move on. If you blow positive, then you are pulled to the side as they have probable cause.

Your freemason, banking oligarch, fascist leaders have done a good job with your heads. Like Nazi Germany, your day will come. Land of slaves and home of the cowards. Too afraid to support their own constitution because freedom is courageous. Believing everything on the TV like it is real - trusting your corrupt government.

May as well as go ahead and invade other countries to push your fascist demockracy agenda. Oh, I forgot, you are in the process.

Good luck to all the fascists and peace to all the freedom lovers. I sure hope you can save America, but reading this thread, I doubt it.

OregonBean wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:50 PM:OMG! What an OFFENSE!

I'm so thankful my family moved out of Escondido. "Can I see your papers, please" and people cheer it on. I use to wonder how the people of Russia, Germany and China could allow "public servants" to just bust down doors and drag people off and no one would do anything.

Now I get it - the people thought of themselves as criminals deserving of the treatment.

Liberty or Death wrote on Jun 3, 2008 11:07 PM:Robert, where in the constitution does it say driving is not a right but a privelege???

I'll tell you where, nowhere. The fact is that you have lost your rights as well and you don't even know it because you don't understand them, and like most Americans, you don't care to. Like most of the other commenters here (and again most Americans) you are happy to waive all of your rights (whatever they are) and let the government protect you and take care of you. In the end, I guess Americans truly do get the government they deserve (one that lies to them, cheats them out of their constitutional and natural/god given rights and steals 50% of all they make in various tax schemes), they certainly are not deserving of the freedoms that so many sacrificed so much to secure...

Some Guy wrote on Jun 4, 2008 12:28 AM:"Driving is not a right; it is a privilege."

That's the party line, but is it true? When did we the people, surrender the right to travel? Has that question ever been litigated and decided by a jury?

Don't forget that all of the powers of the government of a free country are granted to it by the people.

Nevertheless, the fact is that "papers please" is a violation of the fourth amendment. Unless the officer has a reason to stop you (EG, he saw you breaking a traffic regulation), then the stop is not merely illegal, it's unconstitutional. It's rather sad to see how many people here are cheering them on.

Gene wrote on Jun 4, 2008 12:36 AM:For those who would rather sacrifice liberty for a little safety, may I recommend moving to somewhere like Iran, Singapore or China? The United States was founded upon FREEDOM of the individual, not a bunch of sheep begging for safety from their masters.

John wrote on Jun 4, 2008 12:59 AM:Personally, I'm not a big fan of the police stopping me with no reason or probable cause.

The US is supposed to be "the land of the free" - not the land of police checkpoints.

In some states it is illegal for police to even do such things.

Ruben wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:59 AM:These check points are to catch illegals thats all! They target the poorer neighborhoods. Bigotry is alive and well in Escondido! They inpound their cars and make their life miserable so they will leave! If you think about it Escondido has a large hispanic population, the name is a mexican name, to hide, funny, what an irony! I bought a car in Mira Mesa I didn't want to give the Bigot City council my taxes! I know that there are many racist in Escondido but I believe most of you are good God fearing folk why don't you wake up????

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 2:24 AM:For the dump sheep who think that driving is a privilege, consider this, being one of many similar supreme court rulings:

"The right of the citizen to travel upon the public highways and to transport his property thereon, either by carriage or by automobile, is not a mere privilege which a city may prohibit or permit at will, but a common right which he has under the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."- Thompson v Smith 154 SE 579.

Heaven help those who welcome the Gestapo into our lives and allow them to monitor your every move.

Fool on the Hill wrote on Jun 4, 2008 3:32 AM:I support these checkpoints completely. They are a reliable tool to promote public safety. The ACLU isn't involved. If two birds can be killed with one stone, who are we to argue?

CrimeHater wrote on Jun 4, 2008 4:45 AM:Unfortunately, as usual, far too many people writing in this forum resort to insults and name-calling instead of remaining civil and focused.
To those who are afraid of some evil conspiratorial intent or demonic grand design behind the checkpoints -
Checkpoints have been legal in California for what - at least 30 years now? The San Onofre checkpoint has been stopping us on our way to LA that long and I notice there have been no military coups, totalitarian takeovers, or collapse of democracy as a result.
Personally, I feel that an illegal alien checkpoint 100 miles north of our border reflects an admission of failure in controlling that border and represents an undue burden on those residing here lawfully, but the spot checks elsewhere in the state seem to accomplish what they are designed to do - apprehend criminals, not law abiding citizens.
Driving IS a privilege - as are most liberties if you think about it - because it isn't a birthright. Before one can drive, he or she must prove they are capable of doing so in a legal manner. If they refuse to follow the law, they lose that privilege, as they should. Imagine the anarchy on the road if people could drive and behave however they want!
If criminals are permitted to hide in the shadows of an impotent enforcement of law (as we have seen dramatically illustrated with the illegal invasion crisis here in America) their selfish self-serving behaviors almost invariably lead to harm to others.
Crime is a sad reality of modern life; I don't like the delay of being delayed and frisked on my way into a Chargers game, for instance, but after 911, I understand it.
The bigger crime, however, would be giving in to the criminals instead of confronting them . . .

Vincent wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:01 AM:These stops are illegal, there is no probable cause. In order to combat crimes we cannot also become criminals by breaking our Constitutional beliefs. Everyone who supports these illegal stops should hang their head in shame of what this country is becoming. I would like to get rid of crime as much as the next American, but what the police is doing is wrong.

Truth wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:04 AM:Am I being detained?
Then am I free to go?

dave from oceanside wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:20 AM:All you people talking about rights need to remember one thing.
We gave ourselves these rights.
This is not something given by a supreme being; it was given by "We the People".
The point is these constitutional rights are only granted to you when you act responsibly in society.
Kill someone, rob someone, or beat someone and your rights no longer exist.
Now we have a problem concerning dangerous abuse of rights caused by people who act outside the law.
You problem makers on the road, and I am talking Drunks, Unlicensed, and Uninsured drivers have gotten so out of hand we need to take action to protect ourselves and our families.
Now a show of hands.
How many of you want a drunk, unlicensed or uninsured driver, driving next to you on the road.
Not one of you raised you hand.
Fortunately to correct this problem caused by irresponsible cretins, this action is only a minor inconvenience and not the end of our liberty like some of you out there are worried about.
After arrest numbers drop at these checkpoints, then we raise our voices to remove the checkpoints.
What is an acceptable arrest number?
Well the above numbers indicate 1 out of 40 people on the road are drunk, unlicensed, or uninsured in Escondido.
So just driving through Escondido you probably passed 20 of them.
To me one out of 1000 people is and acceptable risk.
This will make our cities a safer place to live and I am glad action is being taken to win my right back for safer roads.
To you constitutional purists, your tune will change when you or someone you love get mangled by a drunk or unlicensed driver.

Man all of the lefties wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:21 AM:must be at either work or school durning the day, I only see the anti-American law kooks until the following morning. And I am always checking out this site at work until 5:00pm.

Magna Carta wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:23 AM:Your God Given inalienable rights spell it out quite clearly.

You have the right to own property. You have the right to travel the roads and highways.

So what's all this BS about driving being a privilege?

Wake up you MORONS!

Those checkpoints are going to get a lot worse. Welcome to Nazi Germany!

Kirk wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:35 AM:Driving is a privilege, but traveling is a Constitutional right. Just do a quick investigation of all the words having to do with driving: license, passengers, vehicle etc. and you will discover that they are all tied to commercial pursuits. When we are duped into believing we must have a driver's license, we enter into a contract with the state and are therefore, obligated to obey all traffic rules or be subject to fines and unwarranted searches. The right to travel is protected.

Dorothy wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:36 AM:As a great teacher once said,"The people get the government they deserve." Americans have decided that they deserve to be watched over, coddled, protected from "bad guys", no matter what they have to give up. So much for the American spirit of self-reliance, courage, and independence. Every day I hear praise for the troops fighting an evil war on our behalf, supposedly for our freedom. Hah! Freedom is gone, and furthermore if these pansies ever had to face the enemy, in blasting heat, blowing sand, and snipers around every corner how would they fare? People, it's time to stand up for yourself. Read the Constitution, and fight for it. Or go back to sleep for now, and when you wake up, accept your shackles.

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:38 AM:Dave from Oceanside . . . look again. I raised my hand. I want unlicensed drivers on the road. I would prefer that no licenses are required. Driving is a right, not a privilege, so I don't need a license to do what I have the right to do.

B Smith wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:43 AM:Why should I have to stop and show my papers because others are breaking the law?

If illegal immigration is the problem... fix that. Don't document Americans (REAL ID) and don't stop us for no reason to get us to show our papers.

I don't understand why Americans keep having to sacrifice our liberties in order to stop illegal immigration. It's pretty simple. Stop giving them free education. Stop giving them free medical care. If the police catch them in our country without the proper documentation, they should put them in jail and deport them. They broke the law. We already have laws in place for this. There is no reason that Americans should have to give up our rights. The government should simply enforce the law.

Steel wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:06 AM:let's see
2,886 vehicles

3 arrested on suspicion of dui
8 driving with suspended license
20 driving without car insurance
53 unlicensed drivers

Being unconstitutional aside..
I think that area was already very safe and law abiding, thus unwarranted. They could actually do something more productive with the tax dollars.

Scott wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:31 AM:The basic criminal code requires an officer have probable cause or at least reasonable suspicion before making a stop. Check points like these require neither and they violate your civil rights. but they appeal to people because our government has created a crisis by encouraging illegal aliens to enter our country and thrive. so when local police break our own codes and violate civil rights and trample the constitution, the majority of the people support it. In our anger, we may support it now, but once this genie is out of the bottle it's almost impossible to put it back. these checkpoints started out as 100% alcohol related and had numerous safe gourds--like announcing it in the papers before hand, putting up signs telling people they were entering an alcohol checkpoint and finally giving them a voluntary exit if they did not want to cross into the checkpoint. Also, police could not use this stop as cause to arrest for anything besides alcohol related driving. but the natural progression has taken us to checkpoints where protection FROM the state is lost--but curiously the majority of us cheer because of the appearance of action against the illegal problem. But we are only hurting ourselves and destroying our own civil rights. To quote a not so famous TV cop show..."What YOU gunna do when they come for YOU?" and they will come for us next. Please realize that we cannot support the violation of privacy, the 4th amendment, and basic due process just because we are angry about illegal aliens. If we do, we will pay a heavy price. Please reconsider your support for these checkpoints.

Heck I wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:34 AM:don't mind sitting in line at the check points. Remember how EscoGhetto use to be known as the hide and run city? Remeber driving is a PRIVILAGE, you break the law we have agreed upon, you go to bed without any supper, children.

Law school grad wrote on Jun 4, 2008 7:39 AM:to "what part of the Amendement dont you understand
[-] wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:15 PM:"

What about a drivers license check is "an unreasonable search or seaizure?" Please explain...your point is mute on the citing of the Fourth Amendment.

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:31 AM:To all you "driving is a privilege" sheep, please tell me where you get that information, especially in light of the numerous supreme court rulings, one of which I have already posted. Are you saying that the supreme court is wrong on this issue?

Gringo wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:31 AM:EPD need to go door to door on the flower streets and check vehicals registration with the homeowners that park their cars on the street. You don't need checkpoints since this is where the vast majority of the criminal offenders reside.

Hey wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:45 AM:All of you who are against having capable drivers on the road (ie:those who oppose checkpoints)need to check yourself.When one of these "drivers" with no lic. plows into you or one of your loved ones you will change your tune and say how was this person allowed to drive a vehicle on the roads with no ability to do so saftley. A simple check would save lives. If you have ever been mad at another driver who cut you off or just plain drove terrible and interfered with you,you can not complain about this driver if you oppose checkpoints!!! you are the reason there are horrible drivers on the road.

CR wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:48 AM:Only the criminals need to fear the checkpoints, and it appears that there are MANY in Escondido, including some on this blog that haven't been caught yet. If Border Patrol was allowed to participate, we could eventually get the numbers down, because most of the driving without a license problem is due to the illegals. What good is a drivers license if the police are not allow to check for one anyway?

Patriot wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:57 AM:Hate these checkpoints? Then vote for Obama and every candidate with a D next to his or her name. Obama supports licensing illegals to drive, then legalizing their immigration status. This is why state Sen. Gilbert Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, vice chairman of the California Latino Legislative Caucus supports Obama. Once nearly every driver in Escondido is licensed and is a legal U.S. resident, the checkpoints will yield too few arrests to justify them.

anotherview wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:01 AM:To mean anything, the rule of law requires enforcement of the law. Otherwise, scofflaws and criminals would rule.

Big Picture wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:18 AM:Let's look at the implications of these unconstitutional searches/seizures, which many responders here seem to feel is OK, even necessary, in order to catch lawbreakers.

Going with the premise that it's acceptable to disregard the 4th in order to catch bad guys, this means not only are you happily willing to comply with the checkpoints, but any other similar measures that claim to serve the same purpose: protection and security. So every house is now open for authorities to enter/seize at will (there "might" be a criminal or illegal activity in your home); as you walk in the grocery store, you can be strip-searched (you "may" be a terrorist with bombs strapped to your body); in order to enter the Post Office to buy some stamps, you first have to prove you're a U.S. citizen (you "could" be one of those illegals the INS has been after); etc. etc.

It is easy to see the usefulness of disregarding our Constitutional protections through the myopic lens of one pet issue; however, we must be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater -- once you trample our protections in one area, you give license for those protections to be trampled in all areas. It's called setting a precedent.

Michael r wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:22 AM:The # 1 rule of the land. THE CONSTITUTION. These check points are an absurd abuse of our civil liberties. You want to protect yourself? uphold the CONSTITUTION!

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:23 AM:Law school grad . . . how is his point "mute"?

I think you meant to say "moot". I have doubts that you're a law school grad. If you are, then I'm really worried.

June wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:25 AM:This is scary:

dave from oceanside[-] wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:20 AM:All you people talking about rights need to remember one thing.
We gave ourselves these rights.
This is not something given by a supreme being; it was given by "We the People".
The point is these constitutional rights are only granted to you when you act responsibly in society.

This is the mentality that is destroying our nation. Rights are not GRANTED by the Constitution, they are SECURED by it. Rights are ours by virtue of our humanity alone. If we forget this we are doomed to lose our liberty.

to Gringo wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:41 AM:this actually makes sense. why wait for the offenders to get caught when we can go to the source.where can I get my "GRINGO FOR MAYOR" t-shirts!

Pancho wrote on Jun 4, 2008 9:57 AM:Very interesting comments from highly educated people who lack the sensitivity of a human being. In other words, when the country is a WAR and economic times are rough especially with $4.00 and plus for regular gas and forclusere of homes, these highly educated people tend to blame the little brown ones who do not speak English. In a nut shell, once again we are experiencing the real history of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:14 AM:Pancho, you are right. We tend to blame the "little brown ones" for our own stupidity. We make them the scapegoats because we've done such a poor job of managing our laws and our borders. It's time to place responsibility where it belongs.

driving while licensed and insured wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:44 AM:Let's see...Sounds like a bunch of hooey to me about the driver's check points being targeted against one color of skin or another. It is what it is...taking people who make the decision to drive illegally, i.e. drunk, without a license, without insurance, off the road. The law still says you must have a license and insurance. It also says you can not drive a car while drunk. Just because you believe you don't need a license or insurance to drive safely, the law says otherwise. I support those laws. The roads are public avenues, not the same as your homes. Geeze you guys are really off base I think for comparing a dui checkpoint with the Nazis. I have been stopped before in the checkpoints. No big deal. If I had been drinking, or had been without a license or insurance, then I would feel like all you do who hate this. Grow up and join the real world.

Betty wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:53 AM:It doesn't say they ticketed 'illegals'...I guess most here are 'assuming' that to be the case.
I just moved to Escondido and when I went to put in my change of address, the insurance company said your car insurance rate increased! Why, I wonder...hmmmm
Look I'm all for human rights, and I'm all for keeping law's, and that is ALL LAWS'. If you think I'm going to feel bad bez you think ppl are blaming the little brown ones', I don't! Did you or didn't you break the law once you came across our borders in the middle of the night, hiding, sneaking around. You knew it was wrong, yet you did it anyway. Why? because you refuse to make your own country worth living in. Become men and fight for your own country. So, who is to blame here, you or me? You need to take your passion, your anger and go back across the border and make your own country a decent place to remain and live in. And, I promise I won't evade your country, and call you names.

Driving is a privlege wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:19 AM:no where does it say that when you turn 16 it is mandatory that you get your license. The DMV doesn't have to give you a license. Life goes on if you don't drive. It is not mandated by the state to give you a license either. As far as putting these checkpoints up with the Nazi's, tells me you people have a lot to learn. Also, just like any other job, a police officer it TOLD what to do. It is just like any other job. I say keep the checkpoints and those who don't like it......move.

Gringo for Presadente wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:36 AM:Go Gringo Go!!! I want a "Gringo for Pres" T-shirt. as long as the monies go to the minuteman...

Tom wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:44 AM:When some of you bloggers are old enough to get your license and read the DMV manuel, you will then learn that driving is a pivilege, and that privilege can be taken away after a criminal act.
Also that quote from Benjamin Franklin didn't actually originate from him
The quote is taken from, "An Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania," first published anonymously in London in 1759. The quote is an excerpt from a letter written in 1755 from the Assembly to the Governor of Pennsylvania.

Jefferson said, A strict observance of the written laws is doubtless one of the high duties of a good citizen, but it is not the highest. The laws of necessity, of self-preservation, of saving our country when in danger, are of higher obligation. To lose our country, by scrupulous adherence to written law, would be to lose the law itself, with life, liberty, property and all those who are enjoying them with us: thus absurdly sacrificing the end to the means.

Those of us that obey the law know that these checkpoints are what we need at this point until a better idea comes along.

Just say YES wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:48 AM:To Escondido check points and for those of you who say your rights are being violated, simple MOVE.

ToJay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:51 AM:That unlicensed driver in the semi next to you might make you think twice about enforcing the law.

Dave from Oceanside

To Steel wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:56 AM:Even Steel bends and breaks in a collision.

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:21 PM:Tom, the DMV manual is a book of "rules" not laws. Driving is a right.

To Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 1:56 PM:And no...I meant "mute" not "moot," as I wish for you to silence yourself. Please do. You are wearing thin on my patience.

John wrote on Jun 4, 2008 2:32 PM:Good Job wrote, "Only licensed drivers with proper training and adequate insurance should be on the road. "

Huh? You're new here, huh? In the States, we don't train our drivers. You take a one time test and then you're let loose on the streets. This is why left turn lanes are no longer green lights and arrows only. Think about that next time you're stuck for 9 minutes while the light goes through a normal rotation, as you sit in the left turn lane without a single on-coming car (and the straight traffic is green both ways).

I'm all for the checkpoints since it keeps the cops too busy to harass sportbike riders.

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 3:17 PM:Then I don't think you understand the word mute. It doesn't make sense in the context that you used it. If, indeed you are a lawyer, then you would know that a person can be a mute or can "stand mute" but a point can't be mute. I find your position even more scary and heaven help us if this is the kind of lawyers the mills are turning out these days.

To Tom wrote on Jun 4, 2008 4:03 PM:Don't concern yourself with the likes of Jay he loves to nit pick but glosses over the real reason this will continue, that is to protect the public from scofflaws. I have a feeling Jay doesn't want to get pulled over for some less then legal reason.

Dave from Oceanside

John wrote on Jun 4, 2008 5:01 PM:Well Jay with your reasoning, that driving is a right, I guess I can drive on either side of the road that I want to -- because it is my right--.
Traveling on the raodway is a right, having a license is a privilege. And in order to drive you need a license.
Go ahead Jay drive without a license and see how fun it will be to pay all the fines, and/or the lawyer fees.
I hope for your sake Jay that an uninsured/unlicensed drunk driver doesn't hit you or your family, but then again with your reasoning it would be their right to do so.

dave from oceanside wrote on Jun 4, 2008 5:33 PM:People that think like Jay is the reason we need checkpoints.

Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 6:15 PM:You obviously don't understand what rights are. I notice that nobody cares to address what the supreme court said. I guess you also would say that they are wrong?

Driving on the other side of the street would not only be stupid, but that would be putting other people's freedom's at risk. It's pretty absurd to suggest that it's someone's right to hit me. How intelligent is that?

I've been in two serious accidents with unlicensed/uninsured motorists. The latest was a little over a year ago when I was hit in an intersection by an illegal alien with no license or insurance. I had insurance that covered it and everything was fine, thank you.

Please wrote on Jun 4, 2008 8:58 PM:Do these checkpoints every single week. I support them 100%. If you are abiding by the laws then you have nothing to worry about.

To Jay wrote on Jun 4, 2008 10:36 PM:How intelligent is that? That's your whole argument.
The people who drive without drivers licenses are putting other peoples freedoms, lives and liberties at risk.
Is it a coincidence that the two times you got hit were from UNlicensed drivers? No. They don't have the training to drive a vehicle, and that is taking away our liberties to be able to drive our cars with a reasonable sense of safety. Also them not having insurance is driving the rest of our rates up.
Viva la checkpoints!

Nick wrote on Jun 4, 2008 11:43 PM:Sorry people there is NO violation of your Civil Rights with these checkpoints. I will not divulge the "Secret" that keeps them legal. Let me just say you have choices. and when you have choices and you choose to drive into these check points. It's no longer a violation because you had a choice. Enough said So sit down and shut up.

Probable Cause Required wrote on Jun 5, 2008 12:13 AM:A message from an Anglo-Saxon, native-born U.S. citizen who is licensed and insured and whose driving record of 29 years has not so much as a parking ticket on it:

My, quite the discussion here.

Yes, we want our roads safe to travel. No one wants to get run into by an uninsured motorist. Of course, no one wants to get run into at all, but licensing and insurance in and of themselves do not stop accidents from happening (unless you're under the delusion that licensed, insured drivers never have accidents).

While this discussion has been highly peppered with the immigration issue (understandable, considering Escondido), that concern has no impact on the protections of the 4th amendment. Nor do the concerns of whether one is licensed or insured.

It's very simple: the protections guaranteed us in the 4th *require* probable cause, and even then, a warrant must first be issued before any search or seizure is performed.

If this amendment makes you unhappy; if you feel it hinders your way of life, then stand up and be the "patriotic Americans" you claim to be, and take steps to make your own amendment which repeals or alters the 4th, instead of suggesting that citizens who do respect and stand by the Constitution move to another county.

Better yet, you could move. Sadly, there are a number of countries who would gladly welcome your mindset.

Dago wrote on Jun 5, 2008 1:14 AM:These scoflaws, predomiantly Mexican, complain all the time that they're poor and broke, and that others discriminate against them, but trust me, these idiots will somehow scrape up the $500 or so to bail out their clapped-out beaters from the tow yard, and be right back on the streets without insurance and license in 30 days or less!

Deno wrote on Jun 5, 2008 4:04 AM:WOW, I cannot believe some people on here defending unconstitutional checkpoints. I think every time one of these ILLEGAL checkpoints happen the dissatisfied public should assemble (protected as a right in the 1st Amendment)in front of the responsible police station/government entity responsible and protest. If the nazis we call police want to arrest us let them, but the jails will probably already be full of the individuals who failed comply with their orders the night before.

Question wrote on Jun 5, 2008 4:12 AM:Isn't it true that Mexican driver's licenses are for life and never have to be renewed? How intelligent is that?

ToJay wrote on Jun 5, 2008 5:08 AM:You got hit by two unlicensed drivers and your ok with that just because you have insurance?
Your lucky nobody got killed or permanently maimed.
Do you own a car repair shop in Escondido, because that is the only thing that can explain your lack of judgment on this matter.

Jay wrote on Jun 5, 2008 5:13 AM:Actually, I've been in five accidents in my life. Three of them were with licensed, insured motorists. One, a woman pulled out in front of me from a stop sign. One, a woman hit me from behind while I was stopped at a red light, and one, a woman not paying attention in a parking lot broadsided my car. Each of these were more safer because they had licenses?

Drivng without a license doesn't endanger lives. Not paying attention to traffic rules does.

Shell Answer Man wrote on Jun 5, 2008 12:27 PM:Easy answer; these checkpoints are publicized in advance. If you have issues with them just take a different route! You get to choose your inconvenience. Duh!

On the Fence wrote on Jun 5, 2008 2:13 PM:First off, CrimeHater.. You always seem to make the best points. It's nice to read your posts amongst all the other garbage.

With that, I also have to agree to some extent with Steel.. doing the check point in front of the POLICE STATION is a bit of a waste...

....the majority of illegal, under the influence, unlicensed, yada-yada drivers are AVOIDING the small stretch in front of the EPD's station. Big surprise that one is!

Its amazing how so many people can be inconvenienced over something so petty as having to drive through one of these... lets see if you feel the same way about it when just ONE (of the 3 arrested on suspicion of dui,
8 driving with suspended license,
20 driving without car insurance, and
53 unlicensed drivers), hits and kills a loved one. I bet then you all won't shut up about how "there need to be more check points!!"

Jay wrote on Jun 5, 2008 4:15 PM:My best friend of 16 years was killed almost three years ago by such a person. It hasn't changed my opinion one iota.

CrimeHater wrote on Jun 5, 2008 6:15 PM:Thank you for the kind words, On The Fence -
I enjoy reading the thoughts of the many coherent, informed citizens who take the time to discuss these pressing social issues.
If it wasn't for them, I would probably get really depressed by what little cerebral activity the rest of the writers in these forums display . . .

Driver wrote on Jun 5, 2008 8:44 PM:Hey Jay, do me a favor and don't drive anywhere near me, you seem to be an accident magnet.

Skip wrote on Jun 6, 2008 6:51 AM:I do not like the idea of driving through a checkpoint one bit. But then again I have three different friends who were involved in accidents where the other person was an uninsured, unlicensed, non-English speaking Illegal Alien. They all went through a nightmare trying to collect from the insurance companies. One of them had his 66 Classic Mustang destroyed, another one wife was badly injured, and in the third case the suspects fled the scene (apparently they did not know how to exchange information).

Drivers without licenses are a major public safety hazard, and I guess the authorities have to take more drastic measures.

We all know we are getting little help from the Federal Government on this.

NYHICA wrote on Jun 7, 2008 9:28 PM:What's so hard about respecting the laws and other human beings?

Follow through with your responsibilities and one can keep their (or others) $$$ in their pocket and not be inconvenienced with the time it takes to make everything right.

Keep up the check points. The more the better. Change locations and the time of the day. Get the offensive drivers off of the road. Thank you EPD!