HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.07 DUI EnforceEquip CITY CLERK
FILE # 580-40
AGENDA STATEMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: March 20, 2001
SUBJECT:
Office of Traffic Safety Grant: "Specialized Equipment for DUI
Enforcement"
Report Prepared by David A. DiFranco, Lieutenant
ATTACHMENTS:
None
RECOMMENDATION: 1) Authorize Police Services to apply for funding through the Office
FINANCIAL STATEMENT:
Total grant request is $27,878. This funding is expected to be spent
during fiscal year 2001/2002.
DESCRIPTION:
The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is a governmental body under the California State
Department of Business, Transportation and Housing. Part of the function of this organization is to extend
grant funds m municipal jurisdictions for the purpose of traffc safety projects. Dublin Police Services
currently administers two OTS grants aimed at accident reduction and driver modification.
City of Dublin Police Services requests authorization to apply for an Office of Traffic Safety grant to
purchase specialized driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement equipment. Dublin Police Services has
witnessed a large increase in driving under the influence arrests in the past four years. The number of
arrests has increased by 150% since 1996. Part of this additional increase is attributable to improved patrol
methods and a larger population. One of the best tools available to the patrol deputy for investigation of
DUI cases is the Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) device. The PAS is a small hand-held unit that
provides a very accurate reading on the mount of alcohol present in the blood of a suspected DUI driver.
The subject blows into a disposable mouthpiece and the PAS electronically produces a readout of the
blood alcohol level. This tool allows the deputy in the field to confirm his/her observation regarding the
level of impairment of the subject. It also allows the officer to release drivers who are not considered
impaired under the terms of the law. DPS currently has access to three of these devices.
The Fiscal year 2001/2002 grant requests the Office of Traffic Safety to provide a PAS device for all patrol
deputies and sergeants at Dublin Police Services.
H/cc-forms/agdastmt. doc
COPIES TO:
ITEM NO.
Page 2
Additional funding is requested for calibration equipment in order to maintain the devices, and training for
key personnel. Trained personnel would maintain the devices and conduct in-service training for Dublin
Police Service members. Providing PAS units to patrol personnel is expected to provide several benefits to
the community as follows:
1. Improve patrol efficiency and patrol index by eliminating the time currently needed to deliver a PAS
device to deputies in the field.
2. Increase the training, knowledge and expertise of patrol deputies in DUI arrests, which result in a
higher conviction rate and less driver recidivism.
3. Remove impaired drivers from the roadways of the City of Dublin, thereby increasing traffic safety.
4. Reduce injuries and fatalities caused by DUI related collisions.
5. Provide an asset to help structure our traffic safety program to meet the earrent and future needs of
a growing community.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorize Staff to pursue this grant through the Office of Traffic
Safety.