Phoenix (AZ) Overall ASAP (Alcohol Safety Action Project) Progress

• NCJ Number: 74904
• Author(s): P R Swenson; T R Clay
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 159 pages
• Contract Number(s): DOT HS-052-1-068
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Admin
• Corporate Author: Phoenix Dept of Management and Budget
• Sale Source: National Technical Information Service
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Operational and post-operational performance levels and profiles are compared to determine the impact of the discontuation of the Phoenix, Ariz. Alcohol Safety Action Project (ASAP) on the driving while intoxicated (DWI) control system.

Abstract

This report documents changes in DWI countermeasure activities during the Phoenix ASAP's post operational phase. The DWI control system functioning has changed relatively little as a direct result of the ASAP termination. In the enforcement area, the DWI arrest rate has been maintained at roughly the same level since the special 10-man ASAP motorcycle squad was disbanded. There was an initial reduction in 1977 performance (arrests down 11 percent) but indications are that the arrest rate for 1978 will reach or exceed ASAP years' totals. This increase is attributed to a heightened enforcement effort beginning in the second quarter of 1978, no doubt a result of prior ASAP-induced experience. The vast majority of offenders continue to be exposed to short-term rehabilitation (STR) programs as the principal condition of a uniform plea bargaining policy. However, the addition of a major eligibility requirement in 1976--that DWI defendants are permitted only one chance to receive a plea bargain agreement--could diminish the programs's future effectiveness. Results of the recidivism and STR analysis are not encouraging with respect to the apparent capacity of short-term treatment programs to affect the behavior of DWI clients referred by the courts. While a few positive effects were detected, the overall evaluation would have to be considered negative. Changes initiated in response to disappointing program results include a new contract program for mid-range problem drinkers and a new countermeasure program consisting of 10 two and one-half hour sessions held over a 5-week period. A long-range program for DWI probationers is also being planned. Forty-eight tables, 24 figures, and 27 references are provided. (Author abstract modified)