Enforcement 101: The Evolution of Strategic Police Roadblocks

The primary objective of a police roadblock is to ensure public safety by monitoring and regulating vehicular traffic. These checkpoints are strategically placed to prevent and detect criminal activities, such as smuggling or driving under the influence. They also serve as a deterrent against traffic violations, contributing to safer roads. Additionally, roadblocks can facilitate emergency response during incidents, ensuring swift action and aid when necessary. Image source: Photo by Travis Saylor/Pexel

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In contemporary times, the mere mention of police roadblocks can instill a sense of dread, not out of fear of the police themselves, but due to the severe traffic congestion they often cause. The evolution of police roadblocks over the decades has been significant. Reflecting on their transformation since the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, it’s clear that the methods and purposes of these checkpoints have adapted to the changing times.

Initially established as a security measure, they have now become a common feature in our urban landscape, often leading to unintended consequences such as extensive traffic delays that affect thousands of commuters daily. This shift in the public’s perception and the impact of roadblocks on everyday life warrants a closer examination of their role in modern society.

Roadblocks in 1980s

The earliest memory I have of encountering a roadblock dates back to the late 1970s and early 1980s. During this period, my parents and I would often visit my uncle, who resided with his family in a Felda settlement located in the remote reaches of Tanjung Malim. Our travels from Kuala Lumpur were typically uneventful, characterized by smooth roads that led us to our destination. However, upon approaching the outskirts of the settlement, we were invariably met by a police roadblock. This roadblock was a constant presence, manned around the clock due to reports of communist insurgencies in the vicinity—a claim relayed by my uncle, the veracity of which remained uncertain.

Despite the circumstances, the roadblock was a welcome sight, instilling a sense of safety among travelers. My most vivid recollections of this checkpoint include a weathered Land Rover parked at the roadside, occasionally replaced by a sleek Alfa Romeo police car, and the sight of three policemen, one of whom was invariably armed with a semi-automatic machine gun. A modest guardhouse provided shelter for the officers during bouts of heavy rain, and a substantial pole spanned the width of the road, serving as a barrier to unauthorized passage.

The policemen tasked with operating the roadblock struck a balance between cordiality and discipline. One officer would engage in amiable conversation with my father, while his colleagues conducted meticulous inspections of our vehicle and its passengers. Remarkably, throughout the years of our visits, we never once encountered any issues with communists.

Life for my uncle and his family within the settlement was equally untroubled. My uncle, a member of the RELA, kept a shotgun at home, which was seldom used, save for the occasional need to deter wild pigs from encroaching on the plantation. Our stays were invariably peaceful, spanning several days amidst the tranquility of the plantation.

Upon our departure, as we made our way back to Kuala Lumpur, we would once again pass through the police checkpoint. The familiar faces of the friendly officers greeted us, their demeanor unchanged—serious yet efficient—as they carried out their duties. Their inspections were thorough but caused no undue delay. As we continued on our journey, their parting gestures—a wave and well wishes for a safe trip home—remained etched in my memory, a testament to the subtle bonds formed amid routine security measures.

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Operating roadblocks requires significant effort, particularly when dealing with motorcyclists or unauthorized immigrants attempting to evade capture. The complexity of these operations is heightened by the need for vigilance and the ability to respond swiftly to any attempts at circumvention. It’s a task that demands both strategic planning and the capacity to adapt to dynamic situations on the ground.

Roadblocks in 1990s

I have observed two primary situations in which the police establish roadblocks: firstly, when they are searching for escaped criminals or convicts, which is a relatively rare occurrence; and secondly, to apprehend individuals driving without the necessary documentation, such as a valid driver’s license or road tax.

During the 1990s, as I rode my bike to college and later to work, I frequently encountered police roadblocks on the motorbike lanes of the Kesas Highway, typically positioned just beyond a rest area. These roadblocks were strategically located right after a sharp turn, with dense bushes on either side of the lane to conceal the officers and their Land Rover. By the time a rider completed the turn, the roadblock would suddenly come into view, making it too late for anyone contemplating a quick U-turn or attempting to evade the checkpoint, as the police could easily spot them from a distance and pursue if necessary.

At these checkpoints, all motorcyclists were required to stop and present their licenses and road tax documents. The setup of the roadblocks on the motorbike lanes was straightforward, with no poles or barriers; just a few policemen stationed at the side of the lanes and one officer, typically armed with a large stick or, on rare occasions, a submachine gun, positioned a few meters away to intercept any bikers attempting to bypass the roadblock.

These roadblocks were not particularly troublesome for me, as they were only manned in the evenings, when most people were on their way home, and the process of checking documents usually took less than three minutes before allowing us to proceed.

In all my years of riding a motorcycle, I never encountered a roadblock during the morning rush hour. Instead, traffic policemen were present at the roadside to address drivers who misused the emergency lanes to bypass traffic. The individuals most commonly apprehended at these roadblocks were ‘mat rempits’ (illegal street racers), undocumented immigrants, and young riders without a license or, in some cases, without helmets. These measures, while sometimes seen as an inconvenience, played a crucial role in maintaining road safety and order.

Roadblocks in 2000s

The recent evolution of police roadblocks, particularly since last year’s BERSIH and HINDRAF rallies, has taken a turn towards the absurd. When calls for public demonstrations arise, the police quickly establish roadblocks throughout the Klang Valley, causing traffic to slow to a crawl. These roadblocks are often set up the day before the event, become more intense on the day itself, and sometimes remain in place even after the event has concluded.

One might question whether the police have learned anything from the chronic traffic jams in Kuala Lumpur. A single broken-down lorry can trigger infamous traffic snarls; thus, the implementation of coordinated police roadblocks throughout the Klang Valley seems to exacerbate the situation. It’s as if a sense of impending doom descends upon the area.

I recall an instance where I encountered such roadblocks, where traffic from four lanes was funneled into a single lane. Amidst the ensuing chaos, a solitary policeman stood by, observing, while his colleagues appeared to be at ease by the roadside.

Despite the imposition of stringent roadblocks, they did not prevent thousands from participating in the BERSIH and HINDRAF rallies. These events, occurring in 2007 just before the general election, were deemed highly successful. It’s evident that the roadblocks did not achieve their intended effect—instead of deterring demonstrators, they caused significant traffic congestion, much to the frustration of drivers.

The BERSIH and HINDRAF rallies took place on weekends, which somewhat mitigated the impact on weekday morning traffic. However, when roadblocks were erected on Fridays, many were still delayed for work and other commitments. The roadblocks inadvertently created complications for numerous commuters who were otherwise uninvolved in the events.

During the HINDRAF rally, for example, the police actively intercepted or delayed buses filled with Indian passengers, regardless of their actual intentions or destinations. There was even a report of a bus carrying Indian guests to a wedding—unrelated to the rallies—being detained and escorted to a police station for questioning. Such measures raise concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of the police response to public demonstrations. The roadblocks, while intended to maintain order, seem to have caused more disruption than prevention, calling into question the strategy behind their deployment.