NCJ Number
126071
Date Published
Unknown
Length
43 pages
Annotation
This evaluation assessses the results of a Massachusetts project that involved the videotaping of suspects arrested for drunk driving.
Abstract
With the help of State funding, 49 police departments videotaped the booking process and the behavioral field sobriety test. The videotaping of the sobriety test was voluntary for the suspect without penalty for refusal. The project's purposes were to speed case disposition, lower court costs, and lessen officer overtime. Descriptive data for the 6 months between January 1 and June 3, 1987, were provided by each participating department. Beginning with April 1, 1988, quarterly reports were provided by the departments. The baseline data provided a source for comparisons with the subsequent quarterly reports to permit an assessment of the effects of videotaping on the disposition of drunk-driving arraignments. The data supported two primary conclusions. Videotaping aided the prosecution of first-time, inexperienced, or severely inebriated drivers. It was substantially less effective against experienced offenders who were impaired, but not visibly drunk. Recommendations for improving the program are offered. 2 references, 3 tables, 10 figures.