Roadblock Blues- Missoula Questions Local Authority

"Police State! Police State!", cried one of our readers. Wow. We didn't expect to ignite such a firestorm of comments on our website when we posted the official press release about the police roadblock that is scheduled to take place tonight in south Missoula.

"Illegal a bit, don't you think? I mean, impeding the movement of the people, blocking traffic, searching/pulling over without cause. How the holy hell is this constitutional in any way?" said another.

It's easy to understand why people might feel a bit violated, but we really should look at this from both sides of the playing field. Jay Fleming from the Missoula Law Enforcement Academy put it best when he replied to the thread: "Law enforcement in many states including Montana can setup temporary road blocks, or Sobriety checkpoints, but only for specific reasons. It's important everyone not only know the law, but also know your rights. Law is like a game, who ever knows the rules best wins."

I want to try and choose a side here but at the same time I'm so torn. Part of me wants to continue my day to day routine without the fear someone of watching over my shoulder for any wrongdoing. But on the flip side, yes. Yes, I do want to see irresponsible drivers taken off our freeways. Weren't there a record number of arrests made for DUI's over the Memorial Day weekend? It only make sense that police in Missoula are attempting to step up their efforts in some fashion, albeit efforts that might infringe upon your privacy.

Regardless, it seems that our town is strongly opinionated in one way or another concerning this issue. What's your take? Would you prefer to have local authorities carry on with business as usual or execute an investigation that they feel will keep our roads safer?

Sound off in the comment section below so we can continue this highly controversial conversation.