WASHINGTON —
It’s a topic that is taking Reddit by storm: Should cops be able to stop navigation app users from reporting DUI checkpoints? And is this punishable by law?
The debate was sparked after CBS2 in New York reported that New York City police sent a cease and desist letter to Google demanding they remove a feature for users to report police checkpoints on their navigation app Waze.
In a written statement Waze says it has always reported police activity and there is no way to distinguish whether or not the activity is targeting DUI drivers.
"There is no separate functionality for reporting police speed traps and DUI/DWI checkpoints—the Waze police icon represents general police presence," the Waze statement said.
Waze is a user-driven traffic app that allows people to report accidents, police activity and traffic jams in real time.
CBS News confirmed the legitimacy of the letter that says, "Individuals who post the locations of DWI checkpoints may be engaging in criminal conduct since such actions could be intentional attempts to prevent and/or impair the administration of the DWI laws and other relevant criminal and traffic laws."
The letter left many Reddit users furious.
One said, "It pisses me off that they're trying to make it sound like you'll get an obstruction charge if you report them on Waze. Why can't they just say, 'Don't report our DUI checkpoints because you might get someone killed!?' I would respect that so much more than an obvious, manipulative lie."
Some users said the app’s reporting feature could be helpful to those who simply just want to avoid delays. On the other hand some say, the checkpoints are necessary to protect the public.
"People can avoid checkpoints because they don't want to 'waste their time.' That is an active choice. They value their time higher than the efficiency of the traffic police's methods," the user said.
One user questioned the need for police to demand apps remove the DUI reporting feature.
"Drunk people don't bother using Waze. So why do the police care? Maybe because it's not just about catching DUIs? They get to pull over everyone. even those who might be doing things the police are NOT allowed to set checkpoints for," the user said.
Waze stands by police activity reporting on the app.
"We believe highlighting police presence promotes road safety because drivers tend to drive more carefully and obey traffic laws when they are aware nearby police," the Waze statement said. "We’ve also seen police encourage such reporting as it serves as both a warning to drivers, as well as a way to highlight police work that keeps roadways safe."
A few people were confused about the NYPD threatening criminal action when most police departments are required to publicly announce where their checkpoints will be and when.
In fact, Maryland State Police, along with other local police departments, announce when officers will be holding their checkpoints by sending out notices to the public.
Prince George’s County Police Department on Thursday announced they will be conducting a checkpoint on Indian Head Highway.
"The targeted effort will be led by our Special Operations Division and is one of many tools we are using to enhance safety on this heavily-traveled roadway," the department said.
The roadway is known throughout the county as being one of the most dangerous roads due to several deadly crashes.
In January, a grand jury has indicted a driver accused of killing three young children in a major crash on Indian Head Highway the month before.
The department said they have arrested 10 drunk drivers and issued more than 3,000 tickets to drivers on Route 210 since Jan. 1.