Overview, Programs
Continuous alcohol monitoring has evolved into an effective technology for offenders/defendants with alcohol related crimes. It is used for defendants on post conviction cases that involve driving while intoxicated and driving under revocation and/or suspension. We also use it in many pre-trial cases involving alcohol in domestic violence cases and habitual traffic offenses. As well, the continuous alcohol monitoring unit is used with referrals sent to us by Denver County Court Probation and Denver District Court Probation. In 2008 we also began working with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. Enforcement Hearing Officers can refer people with suspended licenses for abusing alcohol while driving to continuous alcohol monitoring for an allotted period of time as a condition to get their licenses re-instated.
Currently, alcohol monitoring in our department, uses a device that tests the Defendant’s alcohol concentration through the skin (Trans-dermal Alcohol Concentration or TAC). The bracelet is water-resistant and tamper-resistant. The Defendant is tested at least 24 times per day. If alcohol is detected, the system automatically begins sampling every 20 minutes until alcohol is no longer present. The results are collected throughout the day and stored in the bracelet. The results are uploaded once a day via a modem in the Defendant’s home, or once a week in the office. The results are then analyzed and posted on a secure website, so officers can access the information when needed. If the Defendant attempts to place objects (tape, playing cards, paper, etc…) between the skin and the bracelet to defeat it, the built-in tamper technology will alert the officer.
Benefits & Success
The alcohol readings from this monitoring source have been determined to be evidentiary in the Denver County Court. The Program for the City began in May, 2004 and we have put 3707 people on the unit. 47 of these participants have had confirmed alcohol readings and 85 other participants have had other violations which resulted in termination and/or revocation. It appears that continuous alcohol monitoring is a viable deterrent and useful tool for the criminal justice system.