Why the LAPD Announces DUI Checkpoints to the Public

On Friday night from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m., the LAPD is holding a sobriety checkpoint in Canoga Park at Reseda Boulevard & Sherman Way. Over the past year, the area has experienced over 50 crashes involving drunk drivers along with 346 hit and runs. That's why they are doing this, but, as many LAist readers have asked in the past, why do they announce it to the public? One reason is they have to by law, but according to Lt. John Romero, "a certain amount of prevention occurs just by a warning the public." What do you think? Should DUI checkpoints still be announced?