CHECKPOINTS

Know the risks

Before you travel to the field, you need to find out the following about checkpoints in your area:

What are the risks? Are checkpoints are used in your operational area? What kinds of checkpoints are they (legal vs. illegal) and are they safe to cross? What are the local procedures and requirements to cross them safely?
Where are they located (or likely to pop-up)? This is important for travel planning (since crossing checkpoints can take time) and for your safety.
What do they look like? Are there features that can easily help you and your driver distinguish between legal and illegal checkpoints?
When are they safest to cross? For example, in some countries checkpoint personnel are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs at certain times of the day.
Agree on procedure for approaching, crossing and leaving checkpoints. Your office should have security regulations and procedures for crossing checkpoints. The driver and all passengers must be briefed on the procedures before every field mission.
Report changes. Make sure to report checkpoint issues or procedural changes to your security focal points so that other teams can be informed and procedures can be adjusted accordingly.

Legal Checkpoints

Official checkpoints are often set up by police or military units in disaster and conflict-affected areas. They are used to control entry and to check identification/permits, vehicle documentation and look for contraband, weapons, combatants, criminals, etc.

Be aware of the following:

In some countries, checkpoint personnel routinely demand compensation (bribes) for passing, even if it is illegal to do so. In this situation, explain that compensation is not possible and stress the legitimacy of your position, even if it means having to turn around. The IFRC does not pay bribes to cross checkpoints (unless of course they your life is at risk).
Checkpoint personnel can be (very) nervous of approaching vehicles in some conflict settings due to the risk of attack or a vehicle bomb. Do not assume your vehicle logos or flags will protect you as checkpoint officials usually treat all vehicle with suspicion and as a possible threat.

Illegal Checkpoints

Illegal or impromptu unofficial checkpoints can be dangerous in some contexts. They are often used to control territory as well as to enable robbery, carjacking, kidnapping and executions. It is therefore important to learn to recognize the difference between a legal and illegal checkpoint. If you are planning to cross one, weigh the risks very carefully.

Guidelines: Crossing Checkpoints

Checkpoint procedures vary widely from one place to another, therefore you need to find out about the local checkpoint procedures before your get on the road. For example, approaching a checkpoint slowly might be good in one country but viewed suspiciously (and get you shot at) in another country. That said, here are a few guidelines that usually work based on experience:

When approaching

Observe from a distance, without stopping, to understand what is going on there. If you suspect that there is a risk of violence, turn around if it is safe to do so.
Keep a reasonable distance between your vehicle(s) when approaching and stopping.
Approach slowly (but not too slowly as to appear suspicious).
Follow signals and orders but be sure you understand the signals given by checkpoint personnel (e.g., are they waving you on or to the side of the road) and stop if unsure.
Lower headlights at night to avoid blinding checkpoint personnel.
Inform the radio room discreetly by radio.
Open the window slightly (2 cm) to better hear instructions.
Turn on an interior light.

At the checkpoint

Be polite, friendly and confident.
Only one person should do the talking for the team (unless they ask questions to the passengers).
Keep your hands visible at all times. If you need to reach for something, ask first (e.g., say: “I have to get my papers from the glove compartment.”).
Take off your sunglasses.
Show your identification card if requested and ensure all documents are returned to you.
Explain, if asked, where you are going.
If they insist, let them check your vehicle. Protest strongly, but calmly and politely, at the removal/confiscation of any items from the vehicle or occupants – but do not resist if they are persistent or threatening.