Random roadside checks increase safety

I applaud the governor of Arizona for taking action regarding illegal immigration. Imagine the frustration waiting decades for the federal government to act. Inaction of current law is obvious political posturing to garner the Hispanic vote.

It is a shame that so many see the governor's bill as racial profiling. There is a simple way to end these accusations. It is called a "random safety checks" conducted by the police department.

We have gone through safety checks, run by the Arlington Heights Police Department, twice now. Both times the checkpoint was set up on Rand Road, on a Sunday night, when traffic was light so as not to cause an inconvenience or major traffic backup.

The procedure is quite simple. A random checkpoint is set up along a major highway by the police department. Barricades direct traffic into a single lane. This is done at night, away from the intersection so there is no overhead lighting that could illuminate the driver of the vehicle. It is impossible to identify the race or gender of the driver under these circumstances.

A police officer directs several vehicles at a time to pull into a parking lot for inspection. An officer checks the vehicle equipment for any safety violations. He asks the driver for his/her driver's license and proof of insurance. He checks for any influence of alcohol. If suspected the driver is given a breath test. A license plate check is made on the vehicle in the event there are any outstanding warrants for the driver. Simple, efficient and obviously not in violation of anyone's rights.

As a citizen, I feel that these random checks are not an imposition but rather protection for my safety and well-being.

Janet Zschach

Mount Prospect