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Manhattan Beach police report five DUIs at July checkpoint, continued bicycle enforcement
Summary
Police Chief Rachel Johnson said a July 18 DUI checkpoint processed nearly 1,000 vehicles and produced five DUI arrests, one probation arrest and seven citations for unlicensed drivers; she also reported about 93 bicycle‑related citations through June 30 and encouraged use of the Reach Manhattan Beach app for non‑emergency reporting.
Manhattan Beach Police Chief Rachel Johnson updated the council on department enforcement and outreach during announcements on Aug. 5, announcing results of a July 18 DUI checkpoint and ongoing summer enforcement.
Johnson said the checkpoint processed almost 1,000 vehicles and produced five DUI arrests, one DUI probation arrest and seven citations for unlicensed drivers. She said checkpoints require extensive planning and public advertising under state law and described the agency’s ongoing use of DUI "saturation patrols" to supplement formal checkpoints. "We have officers whose sole job is to look for impaired drivers," Johnson said.
On bicycle enforcement, Johnson said the department has issued about 93 bicycle citations through June 30, plus a number of verbal warnings, and has observed improvements in unsafe riding overall; she noted both minors and adults receive citations when riding unsafely.
Johnson invited residents to an outreach event, "Cones with a Cop," on Aug. 13 (3–5 p.m. at Handles in the mall) to meet officers and learn about department services. She also reminded residents about the department's non‑emergency number and the Reach Manhattan Beach app for reporting graffiti, coyote sightings and other non‑emergency concerns.
Council members thanked the department and asked operational follow‑ups about checkpoint frequency and the state's mandate on checkpoint procedures; Johnson said the department must follow a required traffic‑stop formula and advertising rules but is conducting saturation patrols more frequently.
Next steps: The department will continue saturation patrols throughout the summer and present further operational details as requested by council members.
