Debbie, the Ohio Highway Patrol informs all of Ohio's nearby media outlets when they are holding OVI checkpoints. The information is sent out in a press release for publication. If the Ohio Highway Patrol did not want this information out there, then they wouldn't invite the media to publish the locations. With that said, you would have to ask them for their reasoning as to making the information public — possibly as a deterrent?

It would be interesting to hear OHP's take on it, wouldn't it? Maybe Patch should do a story about this!

isn't it possibly entrapment if they don't announce it? similar to how a cop isn't supposed to sit in a hidden, wooded area with their lights off, waiting for speeders? (or at least that's what i thought, i see 'em do it all the time though.)

also, can't patch block comments on these? it's always the same ones of "why do they do this" and similar backlash with the reverse opinion, etc. from either viewpoint, it's nothing new. some people don't like these announcements, some do. why argue every time?

Maybe it *is*considered entrapment, joe. I don't have a good grasp on how that would apply, though. If someone FORCED you to drink and drive, it might be entrapment, but since you are willingly doing it to yourself... As for the comments, I don't see any arguing going on here; just good discussion! I don't think I've ever made a comment to this effect before (though I could be wrong). And I certainly didn't know the info Matt provided. I am not in favor of Patch itself blocking comments. My take is that if folks don't want to participate in such discussions (or feels they're repetitive, etc...), they can simply avoid reading the comments (or avoid this type of participatory media outlet altogether). I am in favor of MORE quality discussion among community members, not less!

@debbie: fair enough! this is the second time in the past month this has come up, and i've just seen the same comments, so i guess i should stop reading!

regarding why these are announced: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Random_checkpoint#Legality_in_the_United_States

and specifically, one of the NHTSA guidelines is: "Advance publicity is necessary to reduce the intrusiveness of the checkpoint and increase its deterrent effect."

joe - That's an informative link! I'm glad to see that the highest court in the land has considered and ruled on this issue. Hopefully measured studies have been done showing that advanced publicity actually does have a deterrent effect (so it's not just supposition). I know I'm not the only one who wants people who drink and drive not only caught, but prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law! Thanks for the conversation. (-:

I believe they have to release this information to the media, as a result of some lawsuit/legal action a few years ago.

Whether the media outlet wants to publish it is up to them. But, these things -- although announced -- still nab people.

And maybe while you're being all macho, you can learn where your CAPS LOCK button is on your keyboard.