NYPD sends Google C&D for posting DWI checkpoints on Waze
The NYPD send a cease and desist request to Google requesting it remove DUI/DWI checkpoints from its Waze navigation service.
According to StreetsBlog, the request was sent after officials were asked about it recently reported they had just become aware of Waze’s ability to report checkpoints.
The NYT is saying that Waze does not allow drivers to specifically identify sobriety checkpoints but does allow people to leave detailed comments. They’ve been able to report wrecks and police since 2017, so not sure what’s changed here other than maybe it’s announcing upcoming police?
…Meanwhile in a small TN town, a deputy and his friends have been using the Waze service to report police everywhere so people will actually slow down, but that’s a story I’m working on…
Evidently the speed trap and DWI checkpoint alerts are a bit newer than the cop spotted alerts, and it appears that may have been discovered mid-January.
The Cease and desist requests Google remove this information as people posting locations of DWI checkpoints “… The posting of such information for public consumption is irresponsible since it only serves to aid impaired and intoxicated drivers to evade checkpoints and encourage reckless driving. Revealing the location of checkpoints puts those drivers, their passengers, and the general public at risk. “
Meanwhile I suspect most sober people driving are looking at this as a chance to not risk a confrontation with an officer who’s actively looking for an encounter, getting pulled out of the car because they have to produce ID and are sitting on it, or delayed because there are 15 people in front of you who are confused and being blinded by lights.
The NYPD could just do what several smaller towns do – report police and DWI checkpoints everywhere… everywhere… everywhere…
Checking NY laws… it appears the reason for these checkpoints have to be clearly stated and the locations published in an easily accessible location by the public in advance of the checkpoint. This is public information they are required by law to share in advance, and as such … SMH…
Police are additionally using the “child abductor using Waze to avoid cops while kidnapping your kids” argument because the incorporation of public information into an app that the police have already been required to publish isn’t enough of an argument on its own.
Police, seriously, you want to combat this, play the game. Drive around, report your location yourself. Drive around the bars, report your location, maybe some drunk will look and decide it’s better to call an Uber.
