Overview
The Impaired Driving Section (IDS) is comprised of the three separate impaired driving related programs, the Breath Test Program which focuses on evidential breath testing and management of the Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU); the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program which trains and certifies law enforcement on drug impairment, and the Ignition Interlock Program which regulates the ignition interlock industry and investigates related crimes. All programs provide statewide impaired driving enforcement support, training, and services to criminal justice professionals.
Key Measurements and Statistics
Breath Test Program (BTP)
The BTP provides forensic breath alcohol calibration, maintenance, and repair of over 220 evidential breath test instruments across the state. Additionally, they provide expert courtroom testimony, legal discovery, data analysis, and training for operators of the instruments. In 2018, the BTP obtained ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board (ANAB) program international accreditation through 2022 with annual reassessments. The BTP passed the 2021 reassessment without any issues raised.
Mobile Impaired Driving Unit (MIDU)
The MIDU is a 36-foot motor home that travels across the state in support of all law enforcement agencies’ efforts during Driving Under the Influence (DUI) emphasis patrols. The MIDU effectively and efficiently processes impaired drivers in a timely manner, allowing the arresting officer to return to patrol more rapidly. The MIDU is equipped with evidential breath testing instruments, holding cells, office working stations, and incident command communications capabilities. It is staffed with DUI processors, law enforcement phlebotomists, and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE’s). The IDS also provides additional office processing locations when the MIDU is unavailable.
Major Deployments
The MIDU was deployed across the I-90 corridor during summer 2021 providing high visibility to impaired driving enforcement. The MIDU was deployed to the 2021 Apple Cup and positioned outside a main entrance.
Drug Evaluation and Classification (DECP)
The DEC program provides certification training for law enforcement Drug Recognition Experts (DRE’s) to perform drug impairment evaluations of suspected impaired drivers. This program also trains officers on basic drug/alcohol impaired driving detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and the use of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST’s).
Ignition Interlock Program
The Ignition Interlock Program (IIP) provides regulatory oversight of interlock device approvals, service center inspections, and technician certifications, as well as conducting criminal investigations on the misuse, tampering, and circumvention of the devices. Compliance checks are also conducted throughout the year to help educate restricted drivers.
Additional Information and Resources
For more information on the Impaired Driving Section Discovery Materials public website, please click here: WSP – Web Based Discovery Materials.