Because the MPD were trying to make it a legitimate checkpoint program, they had to publicize it because of the significant impact on residents. But that also served to inform the criminals. So what happened was exactly what you’d expect, the tourniquet worked to stop violence temporarily during the program, and then the violence came back when the program stopped. It got so bad that the NSZs ran for like 11 days (# from memory) in July when the second roadblock was instituted.

Also because they were trying to make it (more) legitimate, they allowed for carve-outs like letting in those attending a religious or political meeting. But from a driver’s perspective, exercising your right to free association is contingent upon telling the officer where you’re going (to the marxist rally on 9th street) and having someone at that location (say, a marxist) pick up the phone and confirm that you’re going there. I’d think that’d be likely to chill your free exercise.

“[I]f the operator does not present a legitimate reason, the vehicle will be denied entry. The operator may park the vehicle elsewhere and enter the NSZ on foot.”

This will no doubt have a huge impact, given the number of drive-by shootings involving machine gun-rigged, James Bond-style spy cars.

D.C. residents must be thrilled that their government took steps to move hooligans with guns onto the street and public transportation system.