Thread: COMMENTARY: Escondido checkpoints work

COMMENTARY: Escondido checkpoints work

Police chief responds to Perspective story questioning checkpoints

By JIM MAHER - Escondido police chief | Sunday, July 13, 2008 12:28 AM PDT

The community essay published July 6 in the North County Times was very suitably titled "Politics of Hostility," but not for the reasons stated in the article.

Hostility is what some local activists have fostered to create fear and anger in the immigrant community. The article by Bill Flores is a perfect example.

In the words of Al Smith, a long ago governor of New York, "Let's look at the record." The article states that a council ordinance displayed "politics at it's ugliest ... police and deputy sheriffs dressed in riot gear ... at two council meetings."

Well, here are the facts: police security measures were taken in response to the walk outs, traffic blocking, and demonstrations in the previous months by pro-illegal immigration groups. Our goal was to prevent violence and ensure that everyone could exercise their constitutional rights.

Our efforts worked.

Protesters on both sides of the issue had their say and the demonstrations were kept peaceful. This was not "ugly politics" ---- rather, it was an example of America at its best.

In regards to a proposed council resolution which stated "illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates," the essay implies that this must be a false statement because crime in Escondido has decreased in recent years.

I agree that Escondido has become much safer. I welcome the opportunity to expand on that. Total crime is down almost 30 percent since 2004. Gang crime was down 34 percent in 2007 when compared to the year before. In fact, our overall crime rate for 2007 is even lower than in 1980, when the population in Escondido was only slightly more than 64,000.

So how does illegal immigration factor into our crime rate?

"Criminal aliens" targeted

First off, I understand that the overwhelming majority of people who enter this country illegally are not here to commit other crimes. They have come to improve their lives and the lives of their children, which is why they are often referred to as "economic immigrants." This is exactly why our immigration enforcement policy does not focus on them.

Instead, we use our resources to locate, arrest and release to federal immigration agencies, those illegal immigrants who commit crimes while they are here. We refer to them as "criminal aliens."

For example, a year ago we reviewed our gang files and asked Immigration and Customs Enforcement to deport any documented gang members who were in this country illegally. We also routinely do special operations to locate criminal aliens who have been formally deported, since it is a felony to re-enter this country after a formal deportation.

We track how many people we arrest each month who are in this country illegally. Twenty percent to 25 percent of the criminals we book at the county jail have holds placed on them by immigration agents.

Yes, crime is down in Escondido. But, let's be honest about why it's down. Certainly, one of the reasons must be the exceptional efforts of the men and women of the Escondido Police Department, as well as the city's innovative program called the Appearance and Compliance Team, which regularly brings city departments together to clean up neighborhoods. Many other factors have also contributed to this decline, but certainly not the presence of criminal aliens.

In other words, it has been the hard work by many which has caused crime to decrease, despite the presence of criminal aliens. If we could remove all the criminal aliens, then crime would surely drop further.

Now let's take a look at the main point of Flores' essay: his belief, that there is no direct correlation between driver's license checkpoints and hit-and-run accidents.

"We check all cars..."

Of course there is! In 2007, almost half (48 percent) of the hit-and-run drivers we identified did not have a valid driver's license. This is one of the main reasons people flee accidents, even when they are not at fault. To say there is no connection is the same as denying a relationship between drunk drivers and fatal traffic accidents because the drivers we arrest have not yet caused a tragedy.

And how does he possibly support his claim that the entire Latino community feels targeted?

Only drivers without a license need to fear a checkpoint. We check all cars, regardless of who is driving.

Race is not a factor. Improving traffic safety is all we care about.

I have often invited critics to attend the checkpoints and observe our procedures. No one has taken me up on it. Why not?

Perhaps, because in 2007, out of the nearly 300 citations we wrote at driver's license checkpoints, only six drivers were turned over to immigration authorities. (Primarily, that was because those six had significant criminal histories.)

Since only 2 percent of those cited are released to immigration, the statement that the checkpoints are a cover for targeting illegal aliens is clearly false.

Racist cops?: 'ridiculous'

Members of all races are smart enough to know exactly what it is we are targeting ---- unlicensed drivers! To imply that citizens of Latino descent would feel targeted is ridiculous, demeaning and intentionally designed to create the divisiveness and hostility the author claims to be upset about.

We are working hard to explain the truth about our policies to everyone, and especially the immigrant community. I have created a public affairs liaison position, spoken at dozens of neighborhood and town hall meetings, written a summary of our immigration policy for inclusion in city publications, and continuously support numerous police and community efforts designed to bring groups and neighborhoods together.

Sadly, it is the rhetoric of some activists that is causing divisiveness, not common-sense police enforcement policies which enhance public safety, and outreach programs to ensure the inclusion of all law-abiding members of this community.

Those who want to be viewed as advocates for the immigrant community, or who claim to be spokesmen for the entire Latino community, need to stop being pro-controversy, pro-hostility and pro-divisiveness.

If they truly can influence others, then they should explain our policy at every opportunity and reassure those who would otherwise believe they are being targeted.

Despite these efforts to distract us, we are moving forward to work with all members of this community to make Escondido the safest it can be.

And here is a good example: on July 16, the Escondido Police Department is sponsoring an all-day gang prevention and intervention strategy session. We have invited more than 40 community leaders, including many who are truly Latino leaders. The goal is to create a community group that will build on existing efforts to deter our youth from gang membership.

This is how the true leaders of this community are expending their energy ---- focusing on finding solutions for community issues, not looking for obstacles to divide us.

Jim Maher is Escondido's chief of police.


COMMENTS


I agree wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:10 AM:This is a well written story. It's about time someone wrote it in plain english so even the uneducated can understand. THANK YOU. Lets hope the whiners finally get it.

Finally.... wrote on Jul 13, 2008 9:37 AM:I was so happy to read this well written article. I agree with it 100%. These "activists" are screaming out that this is racist. What about the fact that these people are breaking the law and don't have a license to drive??? When Bill Flores is hit by an unlicensed/uninsured driver his view will change very quickly. Why should I have to get my license and pay for insurance and registration? It's not fair! I expect everyone to follow the same law as me. THANK YOU CHIEF MAHER.

hometown wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:11 AM:Thank you Chief Maher and Escondido City Council for listening to the VAST majority of the citizens of Escondido. For the life of me I do not see what is not correct about taking unlicensed and uninsured drivers off the roads. Have you not read the results of these checkpoints and how many people are arrested, ticketed and had their vehicles towed? Not to mention the people with criminal records. Good job Chief.

RG wrote on Jul 13, 2008 1:01 PM:Great story by Chief Maher putting this situation into proper perspective. Sorry Bill Flores, your distorted view of law enforcement just doesn't cut it. Hard to believe you once worked for the San Diego sheriff's dept. Keep up the good work, Chief.

Naturalized Citizen wrote on Jul 13, 2008 1:29 PM:Bill Flores is an embaressment to Escondido and to the legal immigrants of our city. The Latino community needs positive leadership to support the EPD proactive effort to make Escondido a safer city. Excellent article Chief Maher. You owe no appology to anyone, the success of the check points tells the entire story. We, the citizens of Escondido, thank you and thank all the police officers for a job well done. Also the city council for supporting this successful policy.

Lisa wrote on Jul 13, 2008 2:18 PM:Thanks for doing your job Chief Maher and all of EPD.
Don't let the people with their mindless rants stop you from protecting the public.
Those who promote lawlessness should be arrested and convicted for obstructing justice, it's at the same level as inciting a riot, there is no room for it.
Keep up the checkpoints, I want to feel safe while I drive in this country.

Fascinating Facts wrote on Jul 13, 2008 3:25 PM:Chief Maher presents facts that have not been heard enough in Esc.
Thank you Chief.
And, thank you for the mentions at the end of your piece about positive leadership in the community instead of ranting from those carrying their agenda.
Lastly, how did you get this past the left-leaning NCT?

Maher for Mayor wrote on Jul 13, 2008 3:27 PM:I hope Chief Maher retires from law enforcement and runs for Mayor.
He'd make an outstanding mayor.

Now Longer A Weakling wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:01 PM:For the past 2 years, Chief Maher fell for the advise of latino activists. The Chief hide the facts about he plague of crime caused by illegal aliens in Escondido. He attempted to explain this rational positions. This made him look weak. Hence the attacks from El Grupo, the Escondido Human Rights Commission and similar anti-American groups. None of these Latino activists are interested in foster good relations with the EPD. Every hour that the Chief wastes in educating the Latino community is killed in 15 seconds by some lying plant in the audience who tells some fake story of EPD misconduct, or by El Grupo's strategies of division and racism. With this article, the illegal criminals will know that their puppets have failed to insure the desired sanctuary for their illegal activities. Keep protecting the community, EPD!!

ADD YOUR COMMENTS OR LETTER TO THE EDITOR

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/07 ... 76d000.txt


r / Skip
Doha, Qatar

ANOTHER VIEW: Have politics of divisiveness entered EPD?

No evidence exists that drivers license checkpoints work in Escondido

JULY 6, 2008

The Escondido Police Department has engaged in driver's license checkpoints since 2004, and has increased their regularity since 2006. Police Chief Jim Maher has made these checkpoints a hallmark of his administration.

While the police department had conducted checkpoints in the past, their increased frequency (twice per month) has suspiciously coincided with the extreme political actions concerning immigration held by a majority of the city council.

The Escondido City Council was the only city in San Diego County to enact an ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to undocumented persons, later rescinding this action after a legal challenge. The public outcry both for and against the ordinance demonstrated the passion held by both camps of the immigration issue during council meetings. It was politics at its ugliest, with police and deputy sheriffs dressed in riot gear at the ready in case the loud and angry crowd grew out of control.

But this was not the only action the council majority has taken in its apparent obsession with the federal issue of immigration. Soon after the rescission of the rental ban ordinance, Councilwoman Marie Waldron introduced a resolution stating, in part, "illegal immigration leads to higher crime rates, contributes to overcrowded classrooms and failing schools, subjects our hospital to fiscal hardship and legal residents to substandard quality of care, and destroys our neighborhoods and diminishes our quality of life. …#045;"

The resolution passed without that sentence, which was untrue in terms of:

-- rising crime rates (the crime rate in Escondido had actually decreased);

-- failing schools (only one of the more than 20 schools in the Escondido area was unable to meet the "No Child Left Behind" goals);

-- substandard quality of care in local hospitals (Palomar Hospital had recently been accredited) and

-- diminished quality of life, which is difficult to define and quantify.

However, the intent of the council was quite clear.

Statements by Councilman Ed Gallo that the city was "under invasion," and by Councilman Sam Abed that the city had more than 35,000 illegal aliens living here (a number he arrived at using what was found to be very questionable sources and interpretations on his part) displayed the extreme view and fear the council majority held.

Presently, the council majority is processing a parking restriction ordinance, which is focused on an area of the city having a large Latino population, even after the firm the city hired to determine the extent of the parking problem found that there was no parking problem. The ordinance is an effort to discourage people from living in this city and who sometimes have to share an apartment to make ends meet: poor working-class people, many of whom are Latino, and some undocumented. The result of these actions and others has been a divided Escondido, a city with a Latino population of nearly 45 percent.

The chief of police was present at these city council meetings.

EPD's checkpoint use unique

Like the Escondido City Council, the Escondido Police Department is unique in that it is the only law enforcement agency in San Diego County that uses driver's license checkpoints with such frequency. The chief has repeatedly stated that the purpose of the checkpoints is to reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents in the city; a number he claims is among the highest in the state.

Although it has been pointed out to him that there is no direct relationship with hit-and-run accidents and unlicensed drivers, and that the Latino community feels targeted, the chief continues to support the program.

But perhaps a review of what this program entails is in order.

The police close a street and funnel all vehicular traffic to one lane where each vehicle is stopped and the driver is asked to produce a license. All licensed drivers are allowed to pass, but those who do not show one are directed to a secondary area where further investigation takes place.

Unlicensed drivers are cited and their cars are impounded for 30 days without a hearing or appeal. And it costs about $1,100 to get the car out of impound.

Now, this may sound all well and good to many, but maybe we should take a closer look.

The legal issue of checkpoints has been reviewed in the case of 1987's Ingersoll v. Palmer case. In this state case, the California Supreme Court considered whether sobriety (or DUI) checkpoints were constitutional. The court ruled that the reasonableness of a checkpoint stop is determined by balancing the societal need against the intrusion involved.

Protection vs. intrusion

Where societal interest being protected is great and the intrusion is minimal, the detention is reasonable under the Fourth Amendment. But a court must weigh the gravity of the governmental interest or public concern served against the intrusiveness of the interference with individual liberty. The court found that the overriding purpose of the sobriety checkpoint was promoting public safety.

Thus, unlike the immediate threat that an impaired driver poses, and the data that exist in terms of accidents, injuries and deaths resulting from drunk drivers, our question is whether the public safety in roadblocks that check for driver's licenses outweighs the intrusion of individual liberty by being stopped and detained by police without probable cause. This has yet to be decided in a court of law in California.

But a legal review is only part of this issue. Another aspect is that of public policy. Are frequent driver's license checkpoints good public policy?

Let's look at the data.

Maher has claimed that the number of hit-and-run accidents has decreased with the increased frequency of checkpoints. He is correct. In 2005, Escondido experienced 660 such incidents. In 2006, that number went down to 654, and in 2007, the number went down even further to 554, a pretty convincing trend.

But when compared with other North County cities ---- none of which practice driver's license checkpoints with the frequency that Escondido does ---- the trend is similar. Oceanside, for example, experienced 852 hit-and-run cases in 2005, 739 in 2006 and 695 in 2007!

Other city numbers decrease

The Oceanside Police Department, at most, has one checkpoint a month, and it is not uncommon to cancel these for a variety of reasons (such as manpower shortages). Vista, San Marcos and Encinitas had decreases in them during the same three-year period. And these cities do not engage in the program of roadblocks to the degree that Escondido does ---- they have fewer than four a year for each city. Encinitas had only one last year.

A review of the total number of traffic collisions was also conducted.

In 2005, Escondido experienced 1,626 traffic collisions. In 2006, the number decreased to 1,547, and in 2007, the number went down further to 1,398. The decreasing numbers are a welcome sight. But are they due to the driver's license checkpoints? Again, a look at Oceanside's numbers is revealing. In 2005, Oceanside had 1,980 of them. In 2006, the number went down to 1,645, and in 2007, the number bumped up to 1,760.

In Vista, the number of those cases in 2005 was 1,041. In 2006, the number went down to 1,030, and in 2007, the number declined further to 977.

In 2005. San Marcos had 644 collision cases. In 2006, the number was 674, and in 2007, the number went down to 591, all without the use of frequent checkpoints.

What's more remarkable is that the percentage of hit-and-run cases compared with traffic collisions remains relatively consistent during the three-year period for all agencies. Encinitas seems to show a pattern where hit-and-runs are decreasing in a city that holds the fewest driver's license checkpoints of all, conducting about one a year.

And while the time frame is a short one, it may be indicative of a trend that suggests that whatever the factors contributing to the reduction of traffic collisions, they apparently are having little effect on the reduction of hit-and runs in terms of their proportionality. (See attached chart.)

Evidence lacking

The evidence that driver's license checkpoints reduce hit-and-run accidents is nowhere to be found. Accidents have gone down across the board (with the exception of Carlsbad), and so have hit-and-runs. The checkpoints do not appear to be a contributing factor in this reduction in Escondido or anywhere else.

A possible explanation for the reduction in traffic collisions could be that people are driving less. With a receding economy, rising unemployment, and gas prices, it should come as no surprise that people, particularly blue-collar workers, are doing less discretionary driving. And less driving reduces the likelihood of having an accident.

But let's be honest here.

The checkpoints are only a convenient cover for what is really happening, and everyone knows it. Just like the city council majority, the police are participating in a program that is targeting undocumented immigrants and encouraging them, through a concerted effort of harassment, to move to another city.

Even if the driver's license roadblocks did reduce the number of hit-and-run accidents, are we as a free society willing to forgo one of the principle tenets of our constitution by allowing police to stop everyone for the chance of catching unlicensed drivers, some of whom one day may be involved in a hit-and-run incident?

Is this good public policy?

While the City Council majority schemes to pass a parking ordinance to solve a problem that doesn't exist, the police engage in one of the most extreme actions that a law enforcement agency can take: that of stopping, without probable cause, anyone and everyone who happens to be driving on the street picked for a roadblock.

The data do not support the contention that this program results in a safer community. Rather, the program seems to ensure that the divisions in Escondido remain deep, that the distrust of the police continues in the Latino community, and that the pain of living in this environment will be prolonged.

Escondido resident Bill Flores is a spokesman for El Grupo.

COMMENTS


Potsy wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:24 AM:
Bill Flores wrote and the NCT editor allowed to be printed the following, "failing schools (only one of the more than 20 schools in the Escondido area was unable to meet the "No Child Left Behind" goals)" That statement is a lie. The fact is: Mission School has not made Adequate Yearly Progress for six years; Lincoln, Pioneer, and Rose for three years; Farr and Juniper for two years; and Felicita and Oak hill for one year. Mister Flores is not credible.

Immigrant Rally Violence wrote on Jul 6, 2008 8:36 AM:
The immigrant rally in support of illegal immigration held at Grape Day park turned violent, on May 1, 2006. One person was stabbed and protestors threw rocks at officers. Then a mob of 250 to 300 (most in their early 20s) marched from Washington Avenue to Lincoln Street and from Broadway to Ash. Sometimes they walked in traffic, forcing drivers to swerve. The mob tried to walk onto the freeway (Highway 7 but fortunately Escondido Police officers were able to divert them back onto Broadway. At one point, marchers blocked the intersection at Broadway and Washington, but officers were able to clear them away. I am extremely grateful that the Escondido police were there to prevent almost certain violence against Americans wanting to address the City Council that fall had the illegal immigration mob been able to imposed its will on the community during the Fall of 2006. Flores is trying to distort history. The immigration protests were violent in 2006. NCTimes downplayed the violence but at the violence was documented in a NCTimes article published on May 2, 2006! Of course, Bill Flores and El Grupo will deny that there is any evidence that such violence ever took place!

Aint Buying It wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:31 AM:
If Bill Flores is complaining about something it must be affecting illegal immigrants. This guy embodies the La Raza movement. Amazing he made it all the way to Asst. Sheriff before he retired and started working for the criminals. Thanks Bill - MORE CHECKPOINTS!!!

Stop Killer Drivers wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:54 AM:
The sad truth is that hit-and-run drivers have recently killed several youth on the streets of Escondido. Who knows if these youths could have been saved by prompt emergency medical attention! Further, though there is no evidence that these killer drivers were not licensed drivers, logic, however, leads me to believe that the mostly likely reasons for a driver to flee the scene of an deadly accident is the driver is drunk, unlicensed, or uninsured. My hope is that the driver's license checkpoints may prevent such killer drivers. The Escondido Police should be roundly supported for trying to protect this community from these killer drivers. El Grupo's arguments about the lack of evidence linking the checkpoints to the prevention of hit-and-run drivers is cruel to those who care about the safety of this community.

Race Card Poker wrote on Jul 6, 2008 9:58 AM:
Don't break the law, you have nothing to worry about no matter what skin color you are. Being an ex sheriffs deputy, you know all too well there is only one law, not one for Hispanics and another for everyone else. Your efforts would be better used by educating the hispanic community on the laws in the country they broke into rather than carping about a law enforcement agency doing it's job serving the "citizens" of the community. Your deck has just too many "race cards" and you don't play them well, I call your hand.

Pardon me Mr. Flores wrote on Jul 6, 2008 10:12 AM:
I am tired of hearing the same old same old from you and other Hispanic Activist.

Here is the point. We support Escondido's policies. We are not opposed to the Police rounding up:

Drunk Drivers
Drivers without Licenses
Drivers without insurance
Taggers
Gang Bangers
Shop lifters
Illegal Campers
Speeders
Law breakers in general.

If these round ups result in a few offenders being illegals, than they will be deported. The time has come when Good American citizens are tired of being called Racist, Bigots and KKK. We are tired of hearing Viva La Mexico, we are tired of Graffiti, Gang-Bangers, day laborers and Drug dealers in our neighborhoods. We are ready to fight back and take our liberty and American heritage back. We have had enough of the name calling and political correctness.

If being tired of crime in your neighborhood is racist than so be it. But one thing you should ask yourself Mr. Flores. When the PD are looking for offenders and the Majority seem to be Hispanic it might make you wonder if the Racist American Bigots might be right that the majority of criminals in Escondido are Hispanic. Why, because they are the majority in Escondido, then I guess that isn't profiling its just the odd to ratio. Simple math.

So, Mr. Flores save your name calling and finger pointing for someone else and some other time. American's are awake now and we aren't putting up with the lawlessness any longer.

COMMENTS OR LETTER TO THE EDITOR


http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2008/07 ... 7492c3.txt

Now Longer A Weakling
[-] wrote on Jul 13, 2008 10:01 PM:For the past 2 years, Chief Maher fell for the advise of latino activists. The Chief hide the facts about he plague of crime caused by illegal aliens in Escondido. He attempted to explain this rational positions. This made him look weak. Hence the attacks from El Grupo, the Escondido Human Rights Commission and similar anti-American groups. None of these Latino activists are interested in foster good relations with the EPD. Every hour that the Chief wastes in educating the Latino community is killed in 15 seconds by some lying plant in the audience who tells some fake story of EPD misconduct, or by El Grupo's strategies of division and racism. With this article, the illegal criminals will know that their puppets have failed to insure the desired sanctuary for their illegal activities. Keep protecting the community, EPD!!
januaryM
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:26 AM:To Maher for Mayor,
You have to live in Escondido to run for Mayor.The Chief lives in Temecula.
Does Ed Gallo live in Escondido or is he using someone else's address ?
Your article doesnt impress me
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 1:27 AM:Sure, Chief, you are doing checkpoints.

But why not man up and own the fact that you order those below you to take a "hands off" approach to illegal immigrants--- ALL illegal immigrants, not just the "criminal" illegal immigrants? (As you so conveniently label them.)

You ALREADY have both the authority and the mandate to arrest illegal aliens from *gasp!* the Federal Government.

You CHOOSE not to arrest illegal aliens because:

1: You are following direct orders from the mayor not to do so.

2: You lack the physical infrastructure to manage and process the sheer numbers of illegal aliens who reside in Escondido.

You may play semantics all you wish, Chief. But ALL illegal aliens are "criminal" to begin with by virtue of being in this country to begin with illegally.

They are dangerous because of their sheer numbers, and YOU are mandated by Federal law to enforce these laws.

So no, I am not impressed by either your article, your checkpoints or your department.
Local
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:19 AM:Thanks, Chief Maher. It's good to see the facts laid out. Public safety shouldn't be based on ethnicity. What is good for one is good for all. No excuses and no apologies.
I wonder
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:05 AM:Would this Flores person mind if people broke into his house and stole all his belongings? After all, it's against the law too!
Close but no cigar
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:08 AM:you impound this cars, si. But then 30 days later they are allowed to pay the storeage and fine and as long as there is a licensed California Driver they are allowed to drive it from the tow yard. At which time usually right out in front of the tow yard the STILL unlicensed driver returns to the previously towed car and is AGAIN driving on our streets, no license. Which invalidates any insurance he might have once his car strikes yours. WELCOME TO AMERICA!
One more question
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:10 AM:chief, then I will let you go. If people cannot speak english, then why do you presume they can READ ENGLISH TRAFFIC SIGNS and LET them go with a ticket endangering tax paying citizens?
Point taken
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:49 AM:we have racist activist in both El Grupo and La Raza, (The Race) no kidding.
immigrants ...
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 7:07 AM:who are here illegally are still a huge drain on our finacial rescources, they will continue to feed free at the trough as long as we allow them to do so, and we will continue to see the bankrupting of our medical institutions, school systems, and social programs. The only way government wants to deal with this problem is to demand more from the tax-paying Americans rather then go after the root of the problem and take away the incentives that make breaking our countries laws so desirable, and easy.
Checkpoints Not Right
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:05 AM:I'm sure we could make a much bigger dent in crime if we just searched every house in the neighborhood, but we don't. And 50 years ago, anyone with half a brain would have told you it was not only unconstitutional, but just plain wrong, to set up a checkpoint and stop every car driver who is doing nothing but minding his/her own business driving down a public street. I know, I know...it gets unlicensed, uninsured, and occasionally, a drunk off the street. But you know what, that doesn't really matter to me. It's still wrong and bordering on fascism. Remember, it's the authorities, usually in the name of safety, that take away your freedoms. History is full of examples. I hope we are not quickly becoming another one.
Daniel
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:26 AM:More communities should have more checkpoints. Get the drunks, unlicensed, uninsured, and vehicles that don't meet safe driving standards off the roads. I've been hit by two unlicensed drivers. I ran down the freeway and caught one fleeing. She was laughing until she was put in the back seat of the highway patrol car and the car was impounded.
taxpayer
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:27 AM:Finally!! Great article Chief! I support the measures aimed at keeping us safe in Escondido. I can wait a few minutes in a checkpoint line, I can show my license whenever asked by the police, and it’s designed to protect us. Only those without intelligence and logic keep throwing up the race card yes Flores you are ignorant of the facts so you scream racism. Once and for all, if you are here illegally, leave!! We do not owe you anything. Tell the mexican government you deserve free education, free medical care, welfare-see what the response is. If you love mexico so much, go home. The Chief is to be applauded; the constant charges of racism are the product of self serving self centered uneducated people who think we owe them. Try earning your way through life; try following the rules; try being responsible instead of reprehensible.
esteban
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:15 AM:To "checkpoints not right"...well sorry you feel the checkpoints aren't right. The courts say they are. And the vast majority of the people don't mind them because there intrusiveness is very minimal. So just a few anticop yahoos are against them. Get over it. It's not gonna change. As for thr Chief, great article and keep up the good work. A vast majority of us support you. Forget about the loons.
Just a thought
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:27 AM:Why doesn't el grupo or whatever go fight the good fight in mexico where the people are really oppressed by the big burrito of mexican government? It seems that here all you do is put on a bandaid, there you could actually make a differnece. Again, just a thought.
I wish they would put
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 10:57 AM:MORE checkpoints... in MY neighborhood. Check out the 15th & Maple area PLEASE EPD!!!!!!!
more
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:03 PM:checkpoints are needed, like every night come on
ESCONDIDOAN
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 12:09 PM:"Yes, crime is down in Escondido. But, let's be honest about why it's down. Certainly, one of the reasons must be the exceptional efforts of the men and women of the Escondido Police Department..." That may well be a reason, but from what I have read there is a high correlation between an increase in the abortion of unwanted pregnancies and a reduction in crime. The reasoning is that the population of ages 16 to 24 commit a higher percentage of violent crimes, but because of the ease of abortion that age population has decreased and thus so has the crime rate. Unwanted kids in low income families commit more crimes is the rationale. There has been a nationwide trend of lower crime rates since the 1990's. City police take credit for a lot of crime reduction that occurs of course, but it's doubtful that they are a major factor now any more than they ever were. All illegal aliens are criminal aliens in my book. But I understand the Chief's point that nabbing the illegal aliens who have committed crimes, including reentry, are highest in priority for apprehension and referral to ICE and/or the District Attorney.
C. D.
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 1:10 PM:We need more of these checkpoints. They are making a difference but EPD seems to not be locating these in my neighborhood.
*PLEASE* bring a checkpoint to my area (Mission and Ash would be perfect).
To Chief Barney Fife
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 2:26 PM:re: "...police security measures were taken in response to the walk outs, traffic blocking, and demonstrations in the previous months by pro-illegal immigration groups. Our goal was to prevent violence and ensure that everyone could exercise their constitutional rights."

Since when is "walk outs, traffic blocking, and demonstrations" considered violent behavior that calls for police to wear riot gear?

What a bunch of Escodidiots!
Yolanda
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 2:56 PM:I don't get it, why don't the So call Advocates go to their countries and stage the marches and the flag waving and stop using our young people as their pupets, enough all ready, stay, obey our laws or get out, go back where you came from, give that goverment your slogans and your protests, leave my country alone, just be glad our laws protect you from being shot for waving your flag in USA territory
Wake up Escondido
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:21 PM:Flores with his belief that illegal criminals should not be deported is his was of changing demographics quickly as he can. Belief in this will change Escondido into a third world city.
anotherview
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:28 PM:In his well reasoned piece, the police chief could also have noted that traffic checkpoints improve public safety for all concerned -- meaning even the illegal aliens. The entire community benefits from active law enforcement that goes after lawbreakers by using simple, effective techniques. The individuals and groups holding a social bias favoring illegal aliens should consider that criminal aliens debase the social environment for everybody. Besides, America already has enough criminals. Further, good citizens obey the law, and expect others to do the same. Traffic checkpoints catch lawbreakers. Thank goodness the City of Escondido has employed a smart police chief who knows how to think and write. He has taken the lead to improve public safety, and deserves applause and support.
Thank you
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 3:53 PM:Thanks to the EPD for all their efforts. I wish they could do more. I know they want to. Just seems something is holding them back. Chief Maher wrote a good commentary. If the people here illegally don't care for the rule enforcement of the EPD, well you know you can always go back to where you came from, no one is stopping you. In fact, please do.
westside
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 4:36 PM:Thank you, Chief Maher!

I have definitely noticed the improvement in my neighborhood since you have been doing checkpoints. It is much safer to drive in my neighborhood; most of the reckless and speeding drivers are gone. Most of them were young Hispanics who probably didn't have licenses or insurance. They used to run the red lights along 9th Ave all of the time or turn left in front of oncoming traffic when they were supposed to yield. There were often accidents along 9th and now I rarely see one. Thank you so much.

PLEASE do some more checkpoints in our area to keep it safe! There are still problems with drivers not knowing the rules, by Felicita Elementary School, in the mornings when students are dropped off and in the afternoons when students are picked up. They seem to think stop signs are yield signs and they always have the right of way no matter what.
Wake up
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 4:47 PM:Will change it? You're too late for that!
To Esteban
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 5:54 PM:The courts' say its ok so it is??? What a lamb...
Jaque
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 5:55 PM:I'm surprised that the city allowed Jim to make such a public statement.
Mikah
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 6:30 PM:Flores is an embarrassment to our community. Go away!!

Way to go EPD!!
EscoWatchDog
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:06 PM:Chief, you are the only city who does these checkpoints so often. This all started when the city council started their campaign against the migrants. It's no secret you want the undocumented folks outta Escondido. Just call it for what it is. Your a puppet for the city sir!
Al
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 8:59 PM:To Chief Barney Fife.
You are uninformed. The peaceful people who walked out broke the windshield on my vehicle. You should get the facts prior to speaking.
uninformed
[-] wrote on Jul 14, 2008 9:41 PM:to:"To Chief Barney Fife" Your comments on not needing police in riot gear shows that you are misinformed. I was there. When opposing groups gather, violence is a possibility. I observed a man assaulted by several hispanic male juveniles, not to mention several cases of pedestrians blocking traffic, which without police would have resulted in them getting hit. Also there were several cases of vandalism to unrelated parties and officers being assaulted.

A police officer was assaulted last Tuesday while arresting a formally deported alien gang member.

An Oceanside Police officer was killed years ago by a formally deported gang member. The deports the police arrest are bad bad people trust me, I know. Please appreciate the efforts the police are making. Until the government can prevent the re-entry we are sure to see the continued negative effects of illegal immigration in Escondido.
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Sorry for the sloppy posting, but at present I am on the 12th floor of the Victoria Hotel in Doha, Qatar. (In the Sky Lounge Steak House)

I sent a copy of this story to every politician I have an address on and the Staff Editor for the Los Angeles Times named Anna. She wrote the Sob story entitled that Escondido is trying to rid itself of Illegal Aliens.

Only 89 days untile I return home.

R/ Skip



and I am on battery power.......

and a beer costs $12.00 U.S.

Good to see you back Skip, well, you know what I mean.

You take care now and thanks for posting when you can.

We track how many people we arrest each month who are in this country illegally. Twenty percent to 25 percent of the criminals we book at the county jail have holds placed on them by immigration agents. [quote:1yq5us8v]

That is a huge percentage.

[quote:1yq5us8v]
Sadly, it is the rhetoric of some activists that is causing divisiveness, not common-sense police enforcement policies which enhance public safety, and outreach programs to ensure the inclusion of all law-abiding members of this community.

[/quote:1yq5us8v][/quote:1yq5us8v]

This is the truth. They have become spin masters instead of truth tellers. In fact, O'Reilly called Obama out on that last night on his show. Some of Obama's comments at LaRaza were untruthful and O'Reilly called him on it. I bet Obama doesn't have the courage to go on his show like Hillary.