Projects

Alcohol/Ignition Interlock Training for Adult Probation Officers

(FY 2012). The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is sponsoring the development and pilot testing of a project to provide information to Adult Probation Officers related to alcohol and ignition interlock issues. As this is only a one year project, unless there is a follow-on effort to provide training using this course throughout Texas, little impact will be made.

A large percentage of persons on probation in Texas (approximately 50%) have been placed there because of alcohol/drug offenses. In addition, previous efforts have shown that:

  1. Adult Probation Officers lack knowledge about the effects of alcohol/drugs on driving.
  2. Adult Probation Officers lack knowledge related to ignition interlock devices as they have not received formal training in this area.

Alcohol/drug education efforts previously sponsored by TxDOT were able to increase probation officer knowledge by 57%.  The 2010 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Impaired Driving Technical Assessment for Texas recommended that probation personnel training was an important element to achieve program success.

Alcohol and Drug Expert Witness Program

(FY 2008-2011). The purpose of this project was to prepare a cadre of expert witnesses in alcohol/drug traffic cases to assist prosecutors in Intoxication Manslaughter, Intoxication Assault, Driving While Intoxicated, and other alcohol/drug related cases.  This will enable prosecutors to have professionals with knowledge and testimonial skills to aid in prosecution decisions and at trials.

For complete list of trained Expert Witnesses see: Expert Witness Contact Information.

For complete list of Expert Witness Curriculum Topics see: Expert Witness Summary.

Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program Training for Adult and Juvenile Probation Officers

(FY 2009). The prime purpose of this project was to provide a quality drug and alcohol driving awareness program to Texas Juvenile and Adult Probation personnel in the 10 county Texas Department of Transportation Bryan District.  The program selected for this was the Texas Drug and Alcohol Driving Awareness Program (TDADAP), which was the model used by the Texas Education Agency for all DADAPs in Texas.

Benefits to the participant included:

  • Receiving knowledge about the effects of alcohol and other drugs on driving performance.
  • In-service credit.
  • A 5% motor vehicle insurance reduction for 3 years.

For overall results of program please see: Overall Summary Evaluation.