NCJ Number
74542
Date Published
1979
Length
116 pages
Annotation
This analytic study describes and evaluates the Alcohol Emphasis Patrol (AEP) countermeasure of the Idaho Alcohol Safety Action Project (ASAP), 1973-1975.
Abstract
AEP is a specially trained 26-man patrol force deployed statewide. It functions as a subunit of the Idaho State Police. Because the patrol units are spread over very large areas of the State, it is impractical to use specialized techniques developed and used in other States, such as mobile blood alcohol concentration vans or centralized arresting or booking units. Police do not have the authority to administer prearrest breath tests. In spite of the lack of special techniques, the ASAP continues to arrest over two and one-half times the number of DWI's (driving while intoxicated) projected, and the conviction rate of DWI cases is at the 90 percent level. For the evaluation, data regarding the distribution of alcohol-related accidents and the distribution of AEP hours are analyzed utilizing the Kolmogorov-Smirnov technique. Laggest cross correlations of evaluation and performance measures are performed. Comparisons are made of the efficiency of the combined regular State Police and AEPs, regular State Police, and AEP units. Finally, comparisons are made between profiles of drivers arrested, and profiles of fatally injured drivers and between ASAP DWI arrested drivers and drivers arrested by the regular patrol. Statistical methodologies used in the evaluation are explained in a separate section. Data for the study are presented in 36 tables. For other Idaho ASAP studies, see NCJRS 74539 and 74543.