ignition Interlock Training for Criminal Justice Professionals: Final Report
Author(s):
J.N. Prescott
Publication Date:
September 2018
Abstract:
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs), specifically designed to detect breath alcohol and prevent the use of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, are an effective tool in reducing recidivism among driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenders (NHTSA, 2013). Based upon the goal of reducing DWI driving on Texas roadways, legislative statutes have been passed that mandate DWI offenders install an IID as a condition of bond and/or probation if he or she meets certain criteria. Currently, Texas law requires an IID be ordered as a condition of bond for all second and subsequent offenders as well as offenders charged with Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter (CCP 17.441). In addition, Texas law mandates an IID be installed as a condition of probation for: all second and subsequent offenders; first offenders with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .15 or higher; and first offenders under the age of 21 (CCP 42A.408).
A recent Texas-specific IID penetration study completed by the National Injury Prevention Council (NIPC) found that even though the Texas statutes mandate IID as a condition of bond and as a condition of probation, a relatively low percentage of judges granting probation are complying with the law. Unfortunately, an even lower percentage of magistrates that set bond conditions are complying with the statutes (NIPC, 2015). The NIPC study also reported that in most cases, even if the judge ordered an interlock installation, very little was done to ensure that order was complied with (NIPC, 2015). Further complicating matters is that there is little communication among the criminal justice system regarding the application of the statutes and as such, much of the benefit that could be gained from the installation and monitoring of the IID device is lost. To ensure an offender is receiving the appropriate interventions and prevent future impaired driving, all levels of the criminal justice system must work together to increase compliance of IIDs.
NHTSA recommends in the Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs that all members of the criminal justice community should be provided with ongoing educational opportunities to increase knowledge and awareness about the requirements of the IID law and associated regulations (2013). This project sought to address NHTSA’s recommendations and provide training opportunities about IIDs to law enforcement officers, prosecutors, members of the judiciary and probation officers across the state. This report details the efforts of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) team to provide the Ignition Interlock Training for Criminal Justice Professionals (IITCJP) curriculum in person in three locations as well as pilot the training program in webinar format to three targeted counties across Texas.
Electronic Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/TTI-2018-9.pdf
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