(KNSI) – State officials say a pilot project screening for drivers high on drugs works and showed alarming results.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety, and the Stearns County Sheriff’s Office were among 41 departments testing two drug recognition evaluators. The oral fluid testing instruments are screening tools similar to preliminary breath tests used to detect drunk driving. They determine if someone has recently used marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, opioids and other drugs. The tests help law enforcement gather evidence for establishing the probable cause needed to make driving while impaired arrests.
Drugs were found in 287 of the 329 people screened, or about 87%. Data shows that drug-detecting technology found multiple substances in 62% of drivers. Based on the pilot project’s results, the DPS recommends lawmakers authorize screening devices for patrol officers.
The oral fluid testing instruments are preliminary screening tools, but just like a breathalyzer, their results can’t be used in court. What can be used in court are blood or urine tests from DPS’ Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The pilot project showed that the oral fluid instruments accurately detected the same substances the BCA found in its laboratory tests. As expected, the BCA detected more substances than the oral fluid testing instruments due to factors such as its more extensive testing capabilities.
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