Knowledge and use of alcohol interlocks as a tool for supervision programs has rapidly expanded in the past decade. governments, criminal justice and health agencies, frontline practitioners and non-profit organizations have embraced alcohol interlocks as an essential component of a comprehensive drunk driving strategy. indeed, usage rates for these devices have grown from less than 100,000 devices to more than 200,000 in the past five years in the United states. Currently, all 50 jurisdictions in the United states have an alcohol interlock program (or interlock legislation), and in the past few years many of these jurisdictions have taken steps to strengthen operations through revisions to laws and administrative rules and the development of technical device standards. Jurisdictions have also embraced monitoring protocols that incorporate graduated sanctions and reinforcements, and the use of treatment for high-risk offenders. As interlock programs have grown, staff has also begun to consider the importance of protocols for vendor oversight and monitoring. A vendor oversight protocol describes how and by whom vendor services are monitored to ensure that operations are consistent with device and delivery requirements specified in administrative rules or in any contract or certification process. vendor oversight can ensure uniform, quality service delivery across locations and is an important tool to ensure the integrity of program operations, regardless of service center ownership. While many manufacturers have internal quality assurance protocols, a vendor oversight plan can monitor the extent to which such protocols are applied and also demonstrate due diligence to protect the lead program authority from liability in the event of negative, high-visibility events. Many jurisdictions are now pursuing the development of vendor oversight plans. this guide contains a series of practical steps to guide the development process and highlights relevant issues that require consideration as part of any vendor oversight strategy. it was created with input from a panel of seasoned program and industry experts who are knowledgeable about vendor oversight practices for alcohol interlocks and other monitoring devices. it describes: * the development of a vendor oversight plan; * the identification of business requirements; and * the core components of an oversight plan. (Author/publisher)
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