FACTORS INFLUENCING ARRESTS FOR ALCOHOL-RELATED TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS - FINAL REPORT

• NCJ Number: 15558
• Author(s): J F OATES
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 259 pages
• Contract Number(s): DOT-HS-4-00837
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Admin
• Corporate Author: Dunlap and Associates
• Sale Source: National Technical Information Service; National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS FOR DIMINISHING FACTORS INFLUENCING POOR ENFORCEMENT INCLUDE DEVELOPMENT OF PRECISE ENFORCEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, STAFF TRAINING, LEGISLATIVE REVISIONS, AND EFFECTIVE COURT ACTION.

Abstract

DATA WAS OBTAINED FROM A SURVEY OF ELEVEN LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE NATION. DATA INCLUDED FACTUAL DESCRIPTIONS OF RECENT ALCOHOL INVESTIGATIONS, ATTITUDINAL MEASUREMENTS, AND INFORMATION FROM 267 POLICE PATROLMEN AND 85 POLICE SUPERVISORS. ADDITIONAL DATA WERE OBTAINED THROUGH INTERVIEWS OF PROSECUTING ATTORNEYS, JUDGES, AND OTHER CIVIL OFFICIALS. SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING ARREST RATES WERE FOUND TO BE OFFICER'S AGE AND EXPERIENCE, PERSONAL USE OF ALCOHOL, LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE AND TRAINING, SPECIALIZATION IN DUTY ASSIGNMENT, AND PERCEPTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ALCOHOL RELATED VIOLATIONS. OTHER FACTORS WERE THE OFFICER'S ATTITUDE TOWARD SUSPECTS, PERCEPTIONS OF THE PENALTIES, SUSPECT'S DEGREE OF INTOXICATION, WEATHER CONDITIONS, SUSPECT'S ATTITUDE, ACCIDENT INVOLVEMENT, COURT DISPOSITION OF ALCOHOL RELATED CASES, AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICY OF ENFORCEMENT AND PROCESSING PROCEDURES.