For the first time ever, the Portsmouth Police Department conducted a sobriety checkpoint without making a single arrest. 

The checkpoint began at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 16, and continued until 2 a.m. the following morning. It was held on the northbound side of the Spaulding Turnpike near Farm Lane. Officers trained in the detection of impaired drivers had contact with 339 motorists but did not arrest anyone.

Portsmouth police were assisted by members of the Portsmouth Police Explorer Post and volunteers from the Citizens Police Academy. The checkpoint was funded by a grant from N.H. Highway Safety.

The department has been conducting sobriety checkpoints every summer since at least 2005, but this was the first time they did not make any arrests. Authorities have long stated it was their goal to hold a checkpoint without arresting anyone.

Nevertheless, police warn that more sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and DUI hunter patrols will take place throughout 2011.