NCJ Number
177459
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 26 Issue: 5 Dated: May 1999 Pages: 36-39
Date Published
1999
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article discusses technology currently being developed that could make it possible to conduct field tests for alcohol and drug consumption whose findings would be sufficiently accurate to qualify as evidence.
Abstract
Currently, sobriety field tests are only sufficiently accurate to establish probable cause for making an arrest. Evidentiary testing must occur at the police station, which may involve a 1-hour to 2-hour delay from the time of the offense. This cumbersome system opens the door for defense challenges regarding the blood alcohol level at the time of the arrest. Draeger has been working with the California Department of Justice to develop the use of the hand-held Alcotest, the 7410 Plus, in the field as an evidential breath analyzer. With this instrument, an officer would be able to conduct an evidential test at the scene after the standard field sobriety tests have been performed. Regarding drug detection, there is an Ion Track currently on the market that detects drug ions on surfaces; it also has a vapor tracer being used for undercover buys. The detection of drug consumption is more problematic. Currently, many drug tests require lab work, as well as the availability of a suspect's blood or urine. One project being pursued is the development of non-invasive drug testing that officers can use in the field. The EyeCheck is a device that measures the pupillary response to a light stimuli. Other companies have developed or are developing non-invasive systems that can determine chronic drug abuse through psychological screening tools. Some research is being done on the detection of drugs using a hair sample.