Developing a National Curriculum on Ignition Interlocks

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2. Developing a National Curriculum on Ignition Interlocks Robyn Robertson, Ward Vanlaar, Herb Simpson, Peter Parsons Traffic Injury Research Foundation 8th Annual Ignition Interlock Symposium Seattle, WA August 27th, 2007 A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

3. Goals • Discuss the role of education in enhancing interlock usage. • Describe an initiative to provide practitioners with educational materials. • Identify opportunities for dissemination. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

4. Background • Technologies to enhance the monitoring of DWI offenders have evolved – devices are flexible and state-of-the-art. • Research has demonstrated that interlocks can be an effective tool when combined with a comprehensive system of supervision. • Many jurisdictions have facilitated and encouraged the use of technologies through legislation. • Despite advanced technology, compelling research and enabling legislation, devices are used irregularly – why? A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

5. Introduction • Implementation and delivery of interlock technology has received far less attention. • Practitioners are a linchpin in the delivery of interlocks to offenders – yet educational opportunities have been inconsistent or non-existent. • This has hindered the use and expansion of interlocks -- 10% of eligible offenders have an interlock installed. • Attention must now be focused on improving implementation and delivery. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

6. Priority issues • Complexity of the system • Education • Eligibility • Monitoring for compliance • Inter-agency coordination and cooperation • Resources A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

7. Priority issues Complexity of the system • Education Eligibility Monitoring for compliance Inter-agency coordination and cooperation Resources A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

8. Education • Practitioners lack contemporary knowledge about the reliability and effectiveness of the device. • Practitioners generally lack confidence in the device. • Practitioners are unfamiliar with interlock requirements. • Not surprisingly, professionals rarely rely on interlocks as a sanctioning alternative; devices are used infrequently, and participation rates are low. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

9. Education • Research results and technological advances are not well-translated in the criminal justice literature. • Training and education is either inconsistent or non-existent. • Professionals have been generally unengaged in the development of interlock applications. • Myths and legends surrounding interlocks have never been adequately addressed outside of the research community. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

10. Education • When practitioners are presented with contemporary information about interlocks, they are anxious to learn more. • Requests for information have come from many organizations. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

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12. Educational initiative • TIRF has undertaken the development of a curriculum on ignition interlocks for practitioners. • Funding provided by: • Alcohol Countermeasure Systems, Corp. • Smart Start, Inc. • National Highway Traffic Safety Admin. • Draeger A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

13. Educational initiative • The curriculum is being designed with input from: • law enforcement • attorneys • judges • probation • treatment • licensing agencies A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

14. Educational initiative • Two stage approach: 1)Held a one-day workshop in Williamsburg in the spring. • Share experiences and identify relevant content for the curriculum. • Discuss appropriate structure, format, and delivery methods. 2)Review of the draft curriculum by practitioners. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

15. Educational initiative • American Probation and Parole Association • American Prosecutors Research Institute • Florida Department of Motor Vehicles • International Association of Chiefs of Police (HSC) • Institute of Police Technology and Management • Minnesota Department of Corrections • National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators • National Association of State Alcohol and Drug Abuse Directors • National Association of State Judicial Educators • National Center for State Courts • National Drug Court Institute • National Judicial College • National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center • New Mexico Traffic Safety Bureau • Virginia Beach Police Department A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

16. Educational initiative • During the workshop, participants identified a range of educational issues that inhibit their ability to effectively apply interlocks: • technology • research • program information • legal issues • service providers A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

17. Educational initiative • Technology: • applicable to all practitioners • many have never seen an interlock • are not familiar with programmable features or anti-circumvention systems • urban myths need to be addressed • information contained in the data recorder and what it means • identifying the driver A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

18. Educational initiative • Research: • applicable to attorneys, judges, probation, treatment • interpretation of key research; access to full study where appropriate • effectiveness of interlocks for first and repeat offenders • effectiveness of interlocks when combined with treatment • reliability of predicting future recidivism • effects when interlock is removed • offenders’ perceptions about interlocks • quality of studies and their limitations • what research does not tell us A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

19. Educational initiative • Programs: • better understanding of how interlock programs generally operate • information about what is needed to enhance interlock programs • key contacts • copies of relevant forms and documents A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

20. Educational initiative • Legal issues: • medical conditions that impact ability to use an interlock device • relevant case law regarding admissibility of evidence • certification of expert witnesses • challenges that are likely to occur in court • Service providers: • sample contracts for approved vendors, service providers, installers • availability across jurisdictions A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

21. Educational initiative • Curriculum development: • desire for electronic and web-based materials to facilitate dissemination • some need for printed and electronic materials for instructors • curriculum organized according to various topics with appropriate cross-references and appendices to facilitate ease of use and customization • evaluation component is being considered A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

22. Educational initiative • Curriculum development: • Relevant materials are currently being compiled and condensed. • It will be reviewed later this fall by relevant agencies, practitioners and others. • Participants will be involved in the production and dissemination of the finished product. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

23. Conclusions • There is a substantial need for uniform, comprehensive, and accurate information to enhance the use of interlocks among practitioners. • Agencies are actively engaged. • This initiative can enable organizations to educate their staff /membership in convenient, cost-effective ways. • Can ensure consistency across disciplines. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

24. Conclusions • There is a need and an opportunity to provide practitioners with information about interlocks and interlock programs. • Education can encourage and enhance the delivery of interlocks to more offenders. • Educational efforts can help interlocks fulfill their potential to reduce deaths and injuries. A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

25. Staying informed www.tirf.ca A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY