The Cathedral City Police Department is set to conduct checkpoints Friday throughout the city to apprehend those suspected of driving under the influence.
According to Police Chief George Crum, officers will be targeting impaired drivers due to the danger they pose to others on the road. The primary purpose of the checkpoint is to promote public safety, not to make arrests, the Cathedral City Police Department (CCPD) said in a news release.
“The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. We are looking for impaired drivers because driving under the influence is dangerous and puts others on the road at risk," Crum said.
The checkpoint will take place Friday, between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. early Saturday.
Although the locations of the checkpoints have not been disclosed, the city's news release said they will be chosen based on a history of crashes and arrests relating to driving under the influence (DUI). During the checkpoint, on-duty officers will be looking for signs that a driver is under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
In the press statement, the CCPD reminds the public that driving impaired is only just the result of alcohol use. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs also can interfere with driving.
Additionally, operating a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana is illegal. A driver facing a first-time DUI can incur an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties as well as license suspension.