I would like to address the commentary by Victor Torres of El Groupo, May 28. I had the benefit of serving the citizens of Escondido as a police officer for 10 years, before retiring due to an injury. During my time on the streets, I gained quite an insight into the factors concerning the need for driver's license checkpoints.

My patrol experience and the thousands of traffic stops I initiated gave me the following insights:

First there is a large percentage of cars on Escondido's streets that are being driven by unlicensed drivers, with no vehicle insurance.

Second these unlicensed drivers include both citizens and undocumented aliens.

Third during an accident these unlicensed drivers would often leave the scene, after causing property damage (a misdemeanor hit-and-run), or serious injury or death, (a felony hit-and-run).

The unlicensed drivers were unlicensed due to many factors outside "immigration issues." The main reasons for this were, suspension due to driving under the influence, convictions or suspension due to failure to pay tickets or warrants or both.

Based on my experience, driver's license checkpoints are a matter of public safety. Chief Jim Maher's opinion is based on facts not "opinion." Escondido citizens are entitled to safe streets and the driver's license checkpoints are an efficient way of finding unlicensed drivers.

During my years in patrol, I found that most of these unlicensed drivers were constant repeat offenders. Tickets are not a deterrent by themselves. A ticket or arrest, combined with the impounding of the vehicle is the only way to remove these violators from the streets.

As far as disrupting lives of Escondido citizens, I was stopped in a checkpoint at the intersection of Ninth and Spruce in Escondido. After 4 minutes I was on my way, because I follow the law and have a valid driver's license, current registration and insurance. The polite police officer did ask me for each item reminding me that my license expired in two months.

I believe that what groups like El Groupo forget is that driving in California, is a privilege, not a right. Stop turning a valid law enforcement action into another false immigration-P.C. problem.

WILLIAM J. COX lives in Escondido.