Last fall Gina Cancelliere was one semester away from graduating from Penn State, hoping for a job on television as a broadcast meteorologist.

Her plans changed when she was hit by a drunk driver Dec. 1 when crossing North Atherton Street.

Cancelliere (senior-meteorology) was one resident who emotionally protested the lack of DUI checkpoints at College Township Council's meeting last night.

"I'm here to know why College Township doesn't value my life," Cancelliere said.

College Township currently is the only township in Centre County that does not use DUI checkpoints.

Checkpoints are needed due to the area's tremendous number of DUI violations, said Lee Grenci, an instructor of meteorology at Penn State and a State College resident.

"State College is third in all of Pennsylvania in DUI violations," Grenci said.

The lack of DUI checkpoints has been present for some time, Council President Dan Klees said.

"The council in its current configuration has never voted for or against checkpoints," Klees said.

The council has a responsibility to change past legislation prohibiting checkpoints, Grenci said.

"Right now there are people — a man, a woman, God forbid, a child — whose lives are at risk," Grenci said. "You have an opportunity to change their fate."

If the council does not approve the use of checkpoints, Grenci said he would attempt implementation through other channels.

"I am a formidable foe, and I will use every means necessary in the political system," he said.

Not all responses have been in favor of the checkpoints, however.

"Don't let the pinheads who don't understand what a free society means irritate you," said Paul Ferrara in a letter sent to College Township last week.

When contacted, Ferrara refused to comment on his letter.

The council acknowledges the issues of privacy and civil rights.

"If a policeman can stop you randomly for DUI, what's to prevent him from stopping you to check for drugs or alcohol?" Council Member Chris Exarchos said.

Even though the street is a public place, it does not waive a citizen's civil rights, he added.

"Suppose you're walking down a public area like a sidewalk. Should a policeman be able to just stop you?" Exarchos said.

The fact that DUI checkpoints are legal proves they do not violate one's rights, said Janie McConnell of Blair County's Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

"What about our rights to be protected?" McConnell said. "Sobriety checkpoints are legal and have been proven useful at only a minor inconvenience."

Checkpoints take from 60 to 90 seconds, and if lines form, cars are moved through unchecked until it dissipates, State College Police Chief Tom King said.

Legislation in the State College Borough does not apply to College Township, and police currently employ checkpoints within the city limits.

More information on both DUI prevention and personal freedom will be reviewed before a decision is made, Exarchos said.

The inconvenience provided is necessary for the good of the community, Cancelliere said.

"I don't see how people can even talk about freedom," she said. "What about my freedom to just cross the street?"