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Alcohol Interlocks and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring

Alcohol Interlocks and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring. Alcohol Interlocks. An alcohol interlock is a breath-testing device attached to a car’s starter.

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Alcohol Interlocks and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring

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  1. Alcohol Interlocks and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring

  2. Alcohol Interlocks • An alcohol interlock is a breath-testing device attached to a car’s starter. • It prevents the car from being started when a pre-set level of alcohol is detected in the breath sample presumably provided by the driver of the vehicle.

  3. Effectiveness • Research shows that alcohol interlocks reduce recidivism among both first-time and repeat offenders (including hardcore offenders). • More than 10 evaluations of interlock applications have demonstrated reductions in recidivism ranging from 35-90% (Voas and Marques 2003; Venzina 2002, etc.) with an average reduction of 64% (Willis et al. 2005).

  4. Prevalence • Alcohol interlock programs have been implemented throughout the world: • More than 40 states in the United States; • Nine provinces and one territory in Canada; • Europe (Sweden, Finland, France, etc.); and • Australia. • In the U.S. there are approx. 180,000 interlocks installed. • Approx. 13% of those arrested for drunk driving are installing interlocks.

  5. Continuous Alcohol Monitoring • Monitors the drinking behaviour of offenders. • The device tests invisible perspiration (vaporous sweat) excreted through the skin for alcohol consumption. • The technology has evolved into a non-invasive bracelet that monitors alcohol consumption 24/7 from any location.

  6. Effectiveness • Research studies over the past 10 years have demonstrated that transdermal alcohol readings are correlated to BACs. • However, there is a recognized and measurable delay. • Several recent studies involving probation officers and offenders conclude that the SCRAM device is valid and reliable and is a “fast-acting deterrent” (Bock 2003; McKelvie 2005).

  7. Prevalence • More than 40 states use SCRAM. • The device is typically used in the following types of programs: • Pre-trial programs; • Probation supervision programs; • Specialty court programs; • Treatment programs; and • Re-entry, parole, or prison de-population programs.

  8. Implementation Issues • Leadership (political and agency) • Make impaired driving a priority • Designate individuals to oversee process and establish clear channels of communication among agencies • Legislation • Consultations with practitioners during drafting • Compatible with existing impaired driving legislation • Policy • Accounts for operational-level details • Clearly stated – outlines roles and responsibilities and creates accountability • Insufficient staff and resources • Adequate time, staff, and funding to make program implementation and delivery efficient and effective

  9. Implementation Issues • Training and education • Law enforcement need training on how the device works and what to look for at a roadside stop • Judges should be provided with up-to-date research and be made aware of the benefits of the device • Participation rates • Lack of authority to make offenders comply • Offer incentives for participating • Obstacles to eligibility • Lengthy hard suspensions; excessive fines and fees; additional requirements (e.g., completion of treatment/education classes); other charges • Goal should be to get offenders on the interlock as soon as possible, not deter them from installing the device

  10. Implementation Issues • Cost and indigency • Offenders should not be disqualified on the basis of economic status • All jurisdictions should have some form of indigent funding available for those offenders who can demonstrate financial need • Reciprocity • Arrangements made between jurisdictions to prevent offenders from driving unlicensed if they relocate

  11. Implementation Issues • Service providers • Interlock devices meet specifications and are certified in independent labs • Quality control for providers – inspection of service centers and background checks of all installers • Arrangements for rural offenders • Data management • Establish a good reporting system • Consistency in reporting (e.g., violations) • Graduated responses • Agencies should identify a clear set of graduated responses and reinforcements • Offenders who consistently demonstrate non-compliance should be kept in the program, not removed

  12. Conclusions • In order to overcome many of these challenges there needs to be: • Strong political and agency leadership; • Cooperation/communication among all stakeholders; • Clear legislation (drafted with practitioner input) with necessary supporting policies; • Adequate time to implement programs; • Allocation of necessary staff and resources; • Training and education for all facets of the system; • Flexibility to ensure that all impaired driving offenders are eligible for these technologies and that they are not disqualified due to indigency or non-compliance; and • Streamlined reporting and monitoring.

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