Following backlash over police lockdowns taking place in recent months, Northern Commander Brett Smith wanted to assure the community they have nothing to worry about if they're doing the right thing.
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Commander Smith said police had been running roadside operations for years.
"It's not a new phenomenon," he said.
"One of the criticisms is that we're targeting these operations in certain areas that have an impact on more socially disadvantaged people.
"We go where our intelligence tells us to go. That's the reality of it.
"We're only after people doing the wrong thing, and I think that's what the community expects us to do."
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Commander Smith said for most of the community, roadside operations took about a minute to get through and included a breath test and licence and number plate check.
"For people that have got something to hide and are doing the wrong thing, it's highly likely it's going to take longer," he added.
A three-hour long broad perimeter operation took place on July 31 through the West Tamar region, with police stationed at areas such as Legana, Exeter, and Frankford, Hillwood, and Ridgeworth roads.
There were also road patrols checking car registrations, police dogs, and drones involved.
Despite the term "lockdown" sounding heavy handed, police do not completely shut down towns or areas. People are able to move in and out at any time, but would likely be stopped for a test.
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Cars are only searched if the police have reasonable grounds.
Commander Smith said when catching up recently with a former Detective Inspector, he was told an interesting story about the lockdown that took place at Ravenswood.
While waiting at a doctor's surgery on the same day as the Ravenswood operation, the former Detective Inspector overheard a woman on the phone to someone talking about whether or not they were able to leave.
"He said in his opinion, it was clear that this particular person on the other end of the phone was caught in Ravenswood by virtue of our operation," Commander Smith said.
"He was trying to get out without being detected.
"He said, 'it just goes to show that this stuff works and word gets around'."
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Kasey Wilkins
Kasey Wilkins is education reporter at The Examiner, and also covers the East Coast. Get in touch at kasey.wilkins@examiner.com.au.
Kasey Wilkins is education reporter at The Examiner, and also covers the East Coast. Get in touch at kasey.wilkins@examiner.com.au.
