Clever Cops: Operation Wrong Exit in Twiggs County nets dozens of arrests

TWIGGS COUNTY, Ga. ( WGXA) -- The cluster of bright green reflective police jackets on the side of the road stopping and checking cars outside of highway 358 looked like a scene from the show Cops.

This Saturday, the men and women behind the badge in Twiggs County and surrounding areas took no chances.

According to Sheriff Darren Mitchum, it's all a part of a master plan called Operation Wrong Exit.

"There's only four things that would get you arrested: if you're driving impaired, if you have a warrant, if you have a suspended license, [or] if you are carrying drugs," Mitchum said.

Those passing by highway 358 have a choice go through a fake DUI checkpoint, or exit off.

"Those are the ones were looking for...if they choose to get off this exit, up here is actually where the checkpoint is," Mitchum explained.

According to Sheriff Darren Mitchum those who choose to take their chances at the DUI checkpoint are in the clear but those who decide to pull a fast one and exit off to avoid the checkpoint, get pulled over, prompting a search and an actual check.

"The year before it's always been successful we end up being catching a lot of people they got warrants, or they are wanted, and they know it to get off at this exit," Mitchum said.

In an effort to remove impaired drivers from the road, and prosecute violators Sheriff Mitchum said the operation has been effective in risk prevention, prosecuting violators, and increasing voluntary compliance.

Cops seized everything from illegal drugs to weapons.

"It has been very successful I think one of the highest arrests made in the last 3 years is like 191 arrests," Mitchum said.

Officials say this year's operation has successfully prosecuted 30 people.