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The FSS Forensic Alcohol Unit provides the following
laboratory services:
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Analysis of blood, urine, tissue, and beverages for alcohol content
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Testimony on analytical results and their interpretation in criminal trials and DMV administrative hearings
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Involvement in training law enforcement personnel and Deputy District Attorneys on DUI issues
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Providing support for DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols
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Consultation with outside agencies on DUI-related matters
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Active participation in seminars and classes involving issues related to drinking and driving
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Interaction with DUI
professional organizations at the national and international level
The breath alcohol section calibrates and services two types of breath alcohol instruments:
the Datamaster, a stationary instrument used at selected police agencies, and the Alcosensor
IV-XL @ Point of Arrest, a mobile device used for testing at the site of
arrest. All of these instruments are currently owned by the Sheriff
Department and are distributed to law enforcement agencies throughout the
County. Forensic Scientists in the breath alcohol section train operators on
the use of both instruments, process discovery requests for both
instruments, and provide testimony as to the operation, calibration,
maintenance, and reliability of the instruments.
The FSS Information System unit is currently planning to
provide automatic, on-demand electronic retrieval of calibration and
maintenance records for breath alcohol instruments on this web site.
It is expected to be on-line late 2003.
FSS Information Systems maintains a 24-hour, automated telephone line with
blood alcohol (DUI/BAC)
results for the general public. When a blood sample is drawn from
an arrestee, they receive a vial number (or BAIN) that is used
when calling the result line. Anyone with this number and the arrestee's
name may obtain the BAC of
the arrestee's blood sample.
This web site also publishes a interface for everyone to
retrieve these results via a web browser.
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