NTL Record

Title Evaluation of the Austin Police Department DWI Enforcement Unit
Record ID 26053
Personal Name
Creator
Wiliszowski, C. W.; Jones, R. K. (Ralph K.)
Source 32 p. in various pagings : 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. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Publication Date 20030800
Language English
Abstract This report summarizes a study of a program implemented by the Austin, Texas Police Department (APD) that was designed to solve problems encountered in performing enforcement and adjudication functions of the DWI enforcement system. This project assessed the impact of the program on the effectiveness of the system as a whole. The APD program elements included: creation of a new, full-time team of DWI specialists to enforce DWI laws and to assist other units of the Department in processing DWI suspects; provided enhanced training of all officers in DWI enforcement; required rookie officers to accompany members of the specialist team to gain hands-on experience; assigned court liaison officers to ascertain exactly when officers are required in court; and allowed officers to participate in administrative license revocation hearings by telephone. Program analysis showed increases in the number of DWI arrests and in the DWI conviction rate. These improvements in system performance most likely were responsible for a 25% reduction in drivers in alcohol-related fatal crashes. Still, some of the attempted improvements were not realized. Overall DWI processing times did not decrease and DWI arrests for general patrol units did not increase. /Abstract from report summary page/
Rosap ID dot:1723
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/1723
TRT Terms Law enforcement personnel; Traffic law enforcement; Specialized training; Drunk driving; Courts; Impact studies
General Subjects DWI enforcement
Classification NTL - LAWS AND REGULATIONS - LAWS AND REGULATIONS;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Highway Safety;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors
Geographical
Coverage
Texas
Contract Number DTNH-22-96-C-05088
Report Number DOT-HS-809-641; NTIS-PB2004100490
Availability NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Research
Resource type Research Paper
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/26000/26000/26053/434-EvalofAustinTxDWIEnf.pdf
Alternative URL http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/AustinPoliceDWI/
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository