September 7, 2007
Sgt. Tom Lueck
Ramsey Police Department to assist in lowering the death toll due to impaired drivers. In Anoka County 82 people were killed between 2003-2005 in traffic crashes. Many of these were alcohol related. Our county has also consistently been in the top 10 deadliest counties for traffic crashes in Minnesota. Anoka County law enforcement agencies find this fact unacceptable. The City of Ramsey Police Department in conjunction with all other law enforcement agencies in our county have gotten together to form a DWI task force in order to try and lower our death toll.
And, City Councilmembers, you are the example for the entire community. Lead the effort. Drive sober.
One caveat: Okay, a good aim. A very good aim. Good intentions. Roads lead wrongly sometimes from good intentions. There is an old saying that way. Badge heaviness is not a thing I have seen in Ramsey. Yet, it should always be a worry. Statistics are in the city post. They make you wonder. Gentlemen, do the job but avoid entrapment or other problems. Do not stop any vehicle just because it leaves the lot at Diamonds near bar-break. Have probable cause, or don't make the stop. A sound case of impaired driving can get thrown out on appeal, if lacking probable cause for a stop. It's not hypothetical. It's happened in Ramsey. And it's the law. Citizens have the right to be free of stops, free of unwanted police encounters, if circumstances show a lack of probable cause. I hope the council, and new City Administrator agree. The law sets rules. The officials follow, and we and they benefit. Open Meeting law. Public Data law. The constitutional requirement of probable cause. It is all there to protect citizen rights and privileges.