NCJ Number
139523
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1992) Pages: 119-122
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The effects of discontinuing the routine booking and detention of offenders arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in Salt Lake County (Utah) was studied using official records regarding traffic accidents, traffic fatalities, alcohol-related accidents, drunk driving arrests, and blood-alcohol test results from 1984 through 1990.
Abstract
From 1985-90, the percentage of arrested drunk drivers who were routinely booked and detained for short periods dropped from 73 percent to as low as 2.3 percent. Results revealed that discontinuing this routine booking and detention had no discernible effect on traffic safety in Salt Lake County. The only effect may have been cost savings related to processing of these arrestees and providing jail space, utilities, food, and occasional medical attention.