NCJ Number
195913
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 69 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2002 Pages: 51-52,54-57,58
Editor(s)
Charles E. Higginbotham
Date Published
July 2002
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article presents findings from phase one of a study conducted in 2000 by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) which identified nine significant problems faced by police officers in DWI enforcement.
Abstract
The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), an independent road safety institute, completed the first phase of a study, entitled DWI System Improvements for Dealing with Hard Core Drinking Drivers: Enforcement. This phase of the study was aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the DWI system’s response to hardcore drinking drivers. The enforcement phase was based on comprehensive up-to-date pieces of research conducted on DWI enforcement. The TIRF study began in 2000 with more than 2,700 officers from State and local agencies in 16 States surveyed. The complexity of DWI arrest was viewed as the primary concern for officers. Study findings identified, in priority, nine problems which are each discussed briefly in the article and include: (1) paperwork; (2) test refusal; (3) detection; (4) incomplete evidence; (5) medical cooperation; (6) failure to appear; (7) access to records; (8) testimony; and (9) resources. These problems impede officers’ efforts. The report can be an important sourcebook to help agencies improve the detection and apprehension of hardcore drinking drivers. The other three phases of the project include: prosecution, adjudication, and sanctioning.