"Neighbourhood safety zones" with police checkpoints in Washington DC

Washington D.C. police will begin stopping motorists in a safety zone set up near a neighbourhood with crime trouble. The motorists could be asked to show proof of residence in the neighbourhood or explain why they are entering the neighbourhood. This is in the U.S.A - in the nation's capital - and there are plans for special checkpoints in four more neighbourhoods! Very scary. What is happening to America?! (link via The Washington Post via a post on Junkfood Science blog)