Keller @ Large: Police Chiefs Seek More Power In Pulling Over Drunk Drivers
BOSTON (CBS) - Dozens of police chiefs in Massachusetts are joining forces to keep drunk drivers off the streets.
But, they said a 20-year-old law and lenient judges are making that job tougher. The law severely limits the ability of police to bust a drunk driver if they cross into another city or town.
Another major beef right now is the more than 80 percent acquittal rate at bench trials of accused drunk drivers. It's all part of what police say is a chronic failure of the legislative and judicial branches to help them stop the OUI carnage on our roads.
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The law allows police to pursue a civil violation across town lines, but unless they're sure in advance the suspect was driving drunk, they can't make that charge stick.
For example, Wellesley Police Chief Terry Cunningham said the junction of Route 9 and Overbrook Drive in his town is so close to the Natick line, potential OUI busts often slip away.
"In one year, we lost six operating under the influences at that light. The year before, we lost five operating under the influences," said Chief Cunningham.
"Law enforcement ought to have the tools within the constraints of the constitution to address public safety," said Gov. Deval Patrick.
But, a bill allowing police more leeway has been stuck in committee up here for eight years.
Edward Ryan, a past president of the Mass. Bar Association, says that's where it should stay.
"If they see someone go through a stop sign in Framingham, they shouldn't be allowed to pursue them into Natick," said Ryan. "There is a point at which the right of the citizen, the average citizen (to be free) from governmental intrusion takes hold here."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Bernice Corpuz reports.
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The Supreme Judicial Court said it's looking into the high DUI acquittal rates documented in a recent Boston Globe report.
Thursday's rally marks the start of a high-profile push police hope will create political pressure behind their bill.
You can listen to Keller At Large on WBZ News Radio every weekday at 7:55 a.m. and 12:25 p.m. You can also watch Jon on WBZ-TV News.
