Roving patrols save money, lives

The roving police patrols in Des Plaines over the weekend are the most effective way to maximize DUI arrests and save taxpayer money ("Police on Super Bowl duty," Jan. 28).

Cities nationwide should adopt similar efforts. Studies on traffic safety confirm this type of police unit (also known as a "saturation" patrol) is the best way to get the worst drunken drivers off the road. Unlike highly-publicized sobriety checkpoints that broadcast their locations in advance, roving patrols cover wide, unannounced areas, so chronic drunken drivers can't plan ahead to avoid them. Furthermore, roving patrols are up to ten times more effective than checkpoints for only a fraction of the cost.

Many cities disregard this evidence and continue to funnel taxpayer money into ineffective, intrusive roadblocks. However, with their roving police patrols, Des Plaines has the right idea.

Sarah Longwell Managing Director

American Beverage Institute