This report summarises a study of a program implemented by the Austin, Texas Police Department (APD) that was designed to solve problems encountered in performing enforcement and adjudication functions of the DWI enforcement system. This project assessed the impact of the program on the effectiveness of the system as a whole. The APD program elements included: creation of a new, full-time team of DWI specialists to enforce DWI laws and to assist other units of the Department in processing DWI suspects; provided enhanced training of all officers in DWI enforcement; required rookie officers to accompany members of the specialist team to gain hands-on experience; assigned court liaison officers to ascertain exactly when officers are required in court; and allowed officers to participate in administrative license revocation hearings by telephone. Program analysis showed increases in the number of DWI arrests and in the DWI conviction rate. These improvements in system performance most likely were responsible for a 25% reduction in drivers in alcohol-related fatal crashes. Still, some of the attempted improvements were not realised. Overall DWI processing times did not decrease and DWI arrests for general patrol units did not increase. (Author/publisher)
Abstract