Re: “DUI: This low is too low” (Feb. 21, Opinion):
This letter to the editor begs for an answer. The writer argues against lowering the legal DUI blood-alcohol limit. That is an issue to consider, but the writer’s idea of how this law would be enforced is way off track. No police officer, ever, would just wait outside a bar or restaurant and then “bust” anyone for leaving those establishments.
The Supreme Court case of Terry v. Ohio defines and clarifies this issue and it is integral in law enforcement training curriculums; referred to as stop-and-frisk. To do the “stop” police (and sheriffs) must have a clearly stated rationale based on their observation, training and experience. Rather than trapping someone walking from a bar or restaurant, police conduct traffic (or in the case of Terry, foot patrol), observe for signs of erratic driving or suspicious behavior, and if so observed, then stop and inquire.
That is well-established law and solid precedent over many years. All officers are trained and very aware of this. Read the Supreme Court case for more details.
John Bordenet, Redmond
