GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. – Deputies with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office conducted a driver’s license checkpoint in the Green Cove Springs area on Friday morning.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies stopped approximately 120 vehicles during the checkpoint and issued two traffic citations. No arrests were made.
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The checkpoint was conducted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. next to Helm-Gallagher Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Idlewild Avenue.
News4JAX was at the checkpoint all morning and noticed the stops were random. Our crew did not notice anyone getting arrested nor any citations that were handed out, but the sheriff’s office said it would provide an update and recap later Friday.
Drivers who were stopped had to show deputies their driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance.
News4JAX asked what prompted the checkpoint, specifically asking if it is related to increased immigration enforcement efforts or if the sheriff’s office has seen an increase in the number of drivers without a valid license.
A spokesperson responded:
“It has been quite some time since we have conducted a DL checkpoint. We intend to have them throughout the county and will continue to keep the community informed when they are scheduled. For statistical information, I recommend submitting a records request via our online portal.”
News4JAX asked the sheriff’s office again on Thursday what the purpose of the checkpoint is, and they said that it’s to verify that people operating motor vehicles on county roads have a valid driver’s license.
“The goal is to verify people operating motor vehicles on County Roads have a valid driver’s license. We want to ensure our roads are safe for everyone and get habitual traffic offenders off the road, reckless drivers off the road, etc. A valid driver’s license is required to operate a motor vehicle. Those that choose to drive without one engage in incredibly unsafe behavior for our community members. These types of checkpoints are not new and have been conducted numerous times for years. If anything illegal comes up during it, whether it’s an outstanding warrant in County, out-of-county, immigration related, or anything else - it is handled as it comes in and appropriately.We are also in the works of conducting more DUI checkpoints.”
Deputies said drivers should have their license, current registration, and valid insurance card ready for review when they approach the checkpoint.
“We will also take the opportunity to educate drivers on other traffic laws to include but not limited to safety belts and vehicle equipment,” the sheriff’s office said. “This checkpoint will remain scheduled unless weather compromises the safety of the personnel and motorists.”
News4JAX spoke with some drivers during the checkpoint and expressed mixed reactions.
“I did nothing wrong; they had no reason to stop me. This is absolutely ridiculous. What are they looking for?” a woman told News4JAX.
Others said having a checkpoint is a good thing.
“It keeps people straight, that way we don’t have to pay for all of these knuckleheads that get into accidents and don’t have insurance. That way, we force them to get it,” a man told News4JAX.
The Jacksonville Immigrants’ Rights Alliance sent out a statement condemning the license checkpoints and stating that they create a “dangerous incentive for racial profiling.”
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