Law enforcement officers and prosecutors around the world rely on breath alcohol testing to investigate and/or prove their DUI and DWI cases. They use preliminary breath testing devices (also known as pre-arrest breath testing devices or 'PBTs') and passive alcohol screening devices to identify impaired drivers, evidential breath testing devices (EBTs) to prove their guilt, and ignition interlock devices to ensure that they do not drive under the influence again. These devices share similarities in sampling and, to some degree, in the analytical methods they use. All of them are capable of producing reliable results. However, EBTs are held to much higher administrative standards than screening devices; and are subjected to strict administrative controls and safeguards, including regular inspections and accuracy checks. This paper addresses EBTs only. (Author/publisher)
Abstract