An OVI checkpoint is scheduled for tonight, starting at 8 pm on State Route 235 in New Carlisle.

The specific location has not been revealed, but speculation is that the checkpoint will occur at the former Wot-A-Dog building, which is closed for the year as it awaits sale. The location, a drive-in style restaurant, provides ample parking, a staging area for inspections into anyone found to be in violation of any laws, and on-site administration inside the kitchen/office.

The parking and staging areas are a new addition to the checkpoint process, as this will mark a trial of a new style of checkpoint in which police administer several tests and provide assistance to passersby.

Critics have said these checkpoints are unconstitutional, and are simply being a method of revenue generation. Seatbelt violations are one such method, as are checks for outstanding warrants that may lead to arrests. With this in mind, police have approached tonight’s checkpoint with a different idea.

“We will be performing field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests, as well as checking for seatbelts,” said Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Jon Bulaga. “But this time we are going into the checkpoint with the goal of helping local residents in a variety of ways that we feel can improve their lives and make the community safer.”

Bulaga went on to outline some of the components of tonight’s checkpoint:

• Field sobriety tests and Breathalyzer tests
• Seatbelt checks
• Check for outstanding arrest warrants
• Credit checks
• On-site paternity testing
• Drug and alcohol counselors on hand
• Urine tests
• Cavity searches

“We feel like there is a lot of value to some of the things out here. A urine test can help people who are in the market for a job see where they stand before they test for the real job and can help them avoid embarrassment,” said Bulaga. “We’re trying to stimulate the local economy and housing market by having credit checks and financial advisors here that can let people know how to handle their money. Any way we can help, we’re going to try. Of course we are still trying to make everyone feel safe, so we are still going to do aggressively pursue those who are breaking laws with some new tactics.”

Those new tactics include full body cavity searches. While the employment of cavity searches will probably put citizens on edge, Bulaga is confident they are a necessary and effective strategy in making the city safer.

“What we’ll do is have everyone get out of their cars and walk a few steps. This will help determine if they are impaired. Also, if there is a limp or if someone is walking like they have a stick up their butt – pardon my French – we will perform a cavity search. We want to make sure that stick up their butt isn’t a stick of dynamite. Or worse, heroin,” continued Bulaga.

Local business are scrambling to capitalize on tonight’s checkpoint as well. Police have had to block the area directly surrounding Wot-A-Dog to keep businesses from setting up shop. New Carlisle attorney Carl Hampton was told he couldn’t set up a table at Wot-A-Dog for the evening. “People need representation to make sure their rights aren’t violated. I guess the police see things differently,” said Hampton. He went on to say that anyone inspected at the checkpoint can receive a free consultation from his office starting Monday. Meanwhile several food trucks have been seen parking up and down Main St., presumably in an effort to capitalize on the traffic bottleneck generated by the checkpoint.

Tonight’s checkpoint will determine what checkpoints of the future look like, according to Bulaga. “We are going to try some new things tonight and, hopefully, if it goes well, we will roll out even more stuff next time. I would love to see doctors here for check-ups, a job fair, and tutoring for all levels of school. Hopefully we can do all that and still lock up a few people.”