NTL Record

Title Problems and Solutions in DWI Enforcement Systems
Record ID 25934
Personal Name
Creator
Jones, R. K. (Ralph K.); Lacey, John H.; Wiliszowski, Connie H.
Source xiv, 165 p. : ill.
Corporate Creator Mid-America Research Institute
Corporate
Contributor
United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Research and Traffic Records
Publisher United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Publication Date 19980100
Language English
Abstract This report documents the results of a study aimed at identifying where and how alcohol-impaired drivers slip through the cracks in the criminal justice system. It also suggests potential fixes to close those loopholes. The report is based on information obtained through telephone discussions with law enforcement officials in 11 jurisdictions; detailed case studies of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)-law enforcement methods and problems in three jurisdictions; and input from a panel of experts experienced in BAC-law enforcement procedures and methods. The study identified 28 significant problems in enforcing BAC-limit laws and traced them to their most common causes. These problems degrade the ability of the police to find DWI suspects, confirm suspects as DWI, and process suspects more quickly. The problems also degrade the ability of prosecutors to charge and obtain convictions of DWI defendants and the ability of judges to impose appropriate sanctions on persons convicted of DWI. Types of recommended fixes for these problems included expanded training programs for police officers, prosecutors, judges, and administrative hearing officers; new or modified procedures for catching and processing suspected DWIs, adjudicating DWI cases, and sanctioning DWI offenders; additional equipment, facilities, and personnel for agencies involved in enforcing BAC laws; additional funding to support the operation of these agencies; new or modified laws on the conduct of criminal and administrative adjudicative proceedings; and focused public information programs to gain public support for the operation of BAC-law enforcement agencies. /Abstract from report summary page/
Rosap ID dot:1615
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/1615
TRT Terms Drunk drivers; Drunk driving; Judicial processes; Law enforcement; Training; Public information programs
General Subjects DWI enforcement
Classification NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - SAFETY AND SECURITY;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Highway Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
756335
Contract Number DTNH22-95-C-05022
Report Number DOT-HS-808-666; NTIS-PB98126568
Availability NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Research
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/25000/25900/25934/DOT-HS-808-666.pdf
Alternative URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/20000/20400/20422/PB98126568.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository