NCJ Number
13701
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 41 Issue: 5 Dated: (MAY 1974) Pages: 26-27
Date Published
1974
Length
2 pages
Annotation
PROGRAM IN FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA, IS AIMED AT THE INTOXICATED DRIVER'S MAIN PROBLEM - HIS ALCOHOLISM - NOT JUST HIS POOR DRIVING HABITS.
Abstract
INTOXICATED SUSPECTS ARE CHEMICALLY TESTED FOR DRUNKENESS IN ONE OF TWO SPECIALLY EQUIPPED MOBILE VANS. IF TESTS ARE POSITIVE AND THE INDIVIDUAL IS BOOKED, THE PROSECUTOR SCREENS HIM FOR POSSIBLE INCLUSION IN ONE OF SEVERAL SPECIAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMS. TREATMENT PROGRAMS INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE, AND GROUP COUNSELING, TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS, AND INFORMAL COUNSELING IN GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALLY. IF THE PROBLEM IS SEVERE, THE DEFENDANT IS REFERRED TO A MENTAL HEALTH CENTER FOR INDIVIDUAL PSYCHIATRIC AND/OR FAMILY COUNSELING. UPON COMPLETION OF THE ASSIGNED TREATMENT, THE DEFENDANT MUST APPEAR IN COURT. THE COURT CONSIDERS A DEFENDANT'S COOPERATION AND SUCCESS IN THE REHABILITATION PROGRAM BEFORE SENTENCING, AND MAY REDUCE OR SUSPEND ANY DISCRETIONARY PUNISHMENT.