Traffic checkpoint proves successful

Three arrests, four citations, and 22 warnings were all the result of the Aug. 23 traffic safety checkpoint conducted by the Monticello Police Department. 

The event was held near Highway 38 and 11^th Street in Monticello, and impacted southbound traffic only. Roughly 60 vehicles came through the checkpoint in a two-hour period, and were inspected by 12 law enforcement officers on scene. 

This is the first of its kind for something like this in Monticello. Police Chief Britt Smith said after taking part in Governor Kim Reynold’s STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Program) for many years, this is just another opportunity to enforce traffic and safety regulations. 

Smith said one facet of STEP is to conduct a multi-jurisdictional activity. The traffic checkpoint was a way to accomplish that, bringing together the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa DOT, Jones County Conservation, Anamosa Police, Jones County Sheriff, and MPD all together. 

“We spearheaded the checkpoint,” said Smith. “It was challenging to coordinate, plan, and strategize, bringing all the resources together.” 

The checkpoint didn’t cost any additional funds other than officers’ time and manpower. 

In terms of the adequate location, Smith said he knew he wanted it on a state highway versus a city street. The city shop off Highway 38 had plenty of space to set up multiple checks at once without hindering oncoming traffic. 

“We needed the ability to get people off the road,” Smith said. 

Having enough manpower meant that no one was bothered for longer than three minutes, which is how long it took to inspect each vehicle (with one exception). 

Conducting the checkpoint during the evening also meant no one was kept from work hours or getting to their destination on time. 

The MPD did publicize the checkpoint in the local media and via social media and city council meetings. Smith felt the advanced warning hindered the number of vehicles they expected to see in that two-hour timeframe. 

“We knew people would potentially avoid the warning,” he said. 

This being the first time for something like this, Smith said they wanted to be as transparent as possible. When the MPD does a checkpoint again in the near future, they won’t be as open in their planning. 

Aside from inspecting driver’s vehicles for obvious issues, law enforcement also handed out educational materials that spoke of distracted driving, child safety, and OWI laws. 

“It’s part of the program,” Smith said. “Distracted driving is a huge concern.” 

Any charges depending were up to that particular officer’s discretion. All charges were state charges, and were prosecuted at the same level through the Jones County Attorney. 

A truck hauling a generator and an enclosed construction trailer was one of the random vehicles to get pulled into the checkpoint. After an initial inspection by the DOT, it was found that the occupants were in violation themselves. Kenneth Frazer and London William, both of Chester, Ill., and Antonio Carlin of St. Louis, Mo., were all arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Carlin and Frazer were also charged with possession of marijuana. 

Other citations for drivers included: suspended driver license, no proof of insurance, open container violation, and equipment violations (lights, muffler, window tint). 

Before the checkpoint took place, Smith sought the advice of County Attorney Kristofer Lyons and presented his operations plan. It was discussed that an event like this was legal in Iowa. He said Lyons was very supportive of it. 

“I think it went really well,” Smith concluded of the planning, staffing and execution. 

Smiths said he would certainly do another traffic safety checkpoint in the future, now that he has the operational plan in place.