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The Covington County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama State Troopers, Red Level Police Department and the River Falls Police Department, combined efforts on Sat., March 7, on State Road 55, between Red Level and River Falls to conduct a safety checkpoint and made 77 total tickets.

“The weather was nice and it was a good day to keep our travelers safe,” Covington County Sheriff Blake Turman said. “24 officers were assigned an on hand to assist. A host of these officers were active volunteer Sheriff’s Reserves. An excess of 700 cars were checked.”

The following is a breakdown of the contacts made:

1. DUI – 1
2. No Driver’s License – 2
3. Driving while suspended – 4
4. Other drivers license violations – 2 arrests, 1 warning
5. Improper tag – 4 arrests, 5 warnings
6. Improper lights – 2 warnings
7. Other violations 19 arrests, 3 warnings
8. Minor in possession of alcohol – 15 arrests
9. Misdemeanor possession of marijuana – 12 arrests
10. Possession of drug paraphernalia – 14 arrests
11. Concealed weapon without a permit – 1 arrest
12. Possession of untaxed alcohol – 2 arrests
13. Possession of marijuana (felony) – 2 arrests
14. Person forbidden to possess a firearm (felony) – 1 arrest
15. Active warrants served – 2 arrests

“These traffic safety inspections are necessary to ensure driving habits are kept in check and to thwart the criminal element coming into our community,” Turman said. “A lot of vehicles were checked for safety involving everything from lights to horns, to seat belt compliance and registration. The men that took their free time on a Saturday to assist in this endeavor are true patriots of this community and deserve praise. All officers present worked hard and handled themselves as expected, professionally. Thank you for letting us serve our community.”