Traffic Safety Digest - Spring 2002
NEVADA
DUI Van

PROJECT CHARACTERISTICS
Targets DUI Processing Time
Repeatable Approach
Innovative Approach
PROGRAM AREA(S)
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Youth Services
TYPE OF JURISDICTION
City
 
TARGETED POPULATION
All Groups
JURISDICTION SIZE
1,119,708


PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a major concern and focus for all law enforcement agencies. One of the major aspects faced by all police agencies regarding DUI enforcement is processing the arrested impaired driver. Processing an arrested DUI driver represents non-enforcement time for the arresting officer. That is, during the processing phase of the arrest the officer is no longer capable of any type of enforcement activities. Processing includes transporting the arrested driver to a holding facility, processing the paperwork associated with the arrest, and determining the blood alcohol level of the arrested driver.

The Las Vegas Metro Police Department discovered that it took an arresting officer approximately two hours to process an arrested DUI driver. In order to reduce the processing time and get the arresting officer back into an enforcement mode as soon as possible, the Department proposed a mobile DUI processing van. This van would not only centralize the process, but would also bring all of the necessary equipment, paperwork, and any other necessary assistance to the arresting officer.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the DUI Van was to increase the efficiency of processing drivers arrested for DUI. This increased efficiency would give officers more time for more arrests or to participate in other safe driving activities, in order to:

  • Increase the number of arrested DUI drivers; and

  • Reduce the number of collisions involving DUI drivers.

STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES

The DUI Van, which went into service in April of 1999, provided a mobile DUI processing platform staffed with officers trained and experienced in the complete handling of arrested intoxicated drivers in order to reduce the time spend in the processing procedure.

  • The DUI Van was used at various DUI sobriety checkpoints, as well as in various DUI saturation patrols.

  • The DUI Van was made available to patrol officers during times when there is an expected increase in intoxicated drivers.

  • Field Training Officers and new officers were trained in the use and operation of the DUI Van.

RESULTS

Providing a mobile platform staffed by an officer experienced in DUI recognition and processing resulted in a 50 percent processing time reduction (from an average time of tow hours to one hour or less). An unexpected result was the acceptance of the van by the patrol officers who found it helpful to have an officer experienced in DUI processing and recognition available to guide and assist them. This assistance encouraged officers to actively seek out intoxicated drivers. As a result of the DUI Van project, there were comprehensive reductions in DUI related collisions.

 

FUNDING
Section 402: $80,000
Other:  $37,350
CONTACT
Stavros Anthony
Las Vegas Metro Police
400 E. Stewart Ave.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 229-4073



National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

   SPRING 2002     

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