DeKalb County is doubling down on its efforts to safeguard the well-being of its residents with a series of safety checkpoints aimed at deterring crime and curtailing traffic fatalities. According to the DeKalb County Police Department's own account, these checkpoints form the backbone of CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson's strategy to combat reckless driving and criminal acts on the county's streets.
The most recent checkpoint, carried out at Glenwood Rd. and Shoal Creek Park II this past April 25, had officers rigorously inspecting drivers for any sign of misconduct, from checking the validity of licenses to surveying for impaired driving behaviors. Showing the machinery of the county's safety gears, the operation enlisted support from various units including the DUI STAR Team and SWAT. While the teams made a total of 4 arrests and issued 75 traffic citations, a firearm was also recovered, the stern eyes of law meticulously scrutinizing every vehicle passing through.
In their continued battle against the hazards on the road, the DKPD's efforts this spring are not just numbers on a page. When Cochran-Johnson stated, "We are getting criminals off the street and our presence deters criminal activity," she is anchoring the philosophy of Operation Safe Streets in tangible outcomes. Since the commencement of the springtime checkpoints, a cumulative tally shows 135 citations, 10 arrests, 2 firearms and 1.3 pounds of marijuana seized. By these figures, as reported by DKPD, the campaign appears to be a measured success.
Sadly, the push for road safety is underscored by a grim statistic: 26 lives lost to motor vehicle incidents in DeKalb County thus far this year, with the chief culprits being impaired driving and excessive speed. As part of their educational thrust, the police are not only aiming their spotlight on dangerous drivers but also shining a light on the shadowed corners of how lawlessness threads through daily transport. "Our safety checkpoints have been a success in promoting safer roads for everyone," Interim Chief Greg Padrick noted on DKPD, despite the fact the operations not only help reduce incidents, they also ensure the protection of lives and the prevention of accidents.
DeKalb County residents can expect to see more of these checkpoints throughout the spring and summer as part of a larger concerted effort that includes multi-agency enforcement, undercover operations, and community outreach programs.
