NCJ Number
113538
Journal
Journal of Police Science and Administration Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1988) Pages: 1-13
Date Published
1988
Length
13 pages
Annotation
The experience of Washington State in developing a new program using infrared breath testers to determine blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) is described in terms of its planning, coordination, instrument evaluation and specifications, procedures, staff training, and data collection and evaluation.
Abstract
The experience shows the importance of obtaining the input of many people early in the program design, of designing a program that will provide for competent scientific evidence, and of being objective in the program planning. Representatives of eight Washington agencies, together with law enforcement representatives, developed the program. Preparing the instrument specifications was one of the most critical parts of the program development. The program uses a BAC Verifier Datamaster, an advanced instrument that uses infrared analysis to quantitatively determine ethyl alcohol concentration. The State has also developed a new procedure for conducting breath tests. The procedure is designed to eliminate the weaknesses of the older system and to prevent as many defense arguments as possible. Personnel are carefully trained to use the procedure and the equipment. In addition, a computer analyzes the data. The program developers expected legal challenges and have taken steps to address them in advance through legislation, administrative rules, training procedures, or the testing protocol.