911 tips to police to report drunk drivers

anonymous information as probable cause for traffic ttops

In San Diego, anonymous 911 police reports concerning drivers whom the callers suspect of being impaired, are not only encouraged by law enforcement, but even promoted. Propaganda is at times publicly broadcasted on local freeways via the emergency Amber Alert signs and early response systems.

When activated, the amber alert freeway signs flash "REPORT DRUNK DRIVERS, CALL 911" in large, digital, blinking letters. The billboards are typically activated on holiday weekends when authorities predict an increase in alcohol related incidents.

is the 911 dui enforcement campaign constitutional?

The U.S. Supreme Court recently established guidelines allowing police officers to pursue, detain, and even apprehend suspects for whom they have no probable cause to question, other than the information provided by an anonymous caller. The Court reasoned that if the caller can describe the suspect's vehicle make, model, and license plate number, in addition to the suspect's physical location, gender, and impaired driving behavior or mannerisms, then some credility or relevancy must exist, and perhaps the caller's can be elevated to "somewhat" reliable.

The following driving patterns and traits substantiate a 911 call, according to the San Diego Sheriff's Deparment's press release on the matter:

• Abrupt and haphazard braking
• Driving without headlights at night
• Driving significantly below the speed limit; 10 mph below or slower
• Driving on the edge of lane, weaving back and forth in lane(s)
• Overnegotiating turns; turning abruptly and/or illegally
• Tailgating, uneven speeds
• Narrowly missing an obstacle or vehicle
• Looks physically and mentally impaired, sloppy

The San Diego Sheriffs Department encourages citizens to call 911 and report shifty and potentially intoxicated drivers BUT they draw the line there and warn that citizens should NEVER try to pursue or interfere with the suspected vehicle or driver.

If you've been subjected to a traffic stop based on an anonymous tip that resulted in a DUI arrest in San Diego or Southern California regions, please call San Diego DUI Lawyer Darren Kavinoky as soon as possible at 619.231.7412. We would like to ask you some questions to determine whether there was sufficient probable cause to pull you over.