TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Status and Vision of Ignition Interlock Use Robyn Robertson, M.C.A. Traffic Injury Research Foundation Alcohol Ignition Interlocks to Reduce Impaired Driving Recidivism Washington, DC August 22 nd, 2007

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Goals Background regarding the use of technologies to monitor impaired driving offenders. Status of interlock usage today. Priority issues in the delivery and implementation of ignition interlocks. Opportunities and future needs.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Background Technologies to enhance the monitoring of DWI offenders have evolved. Technologies can be an effective tool when combined with a comprehensive system of supervision. Many jurisdictions have facilitated and encouraged the use of technologies. Yet ways in which technologies have been implemented and applied vary widely – underused potential to reduce recidivism. Despite advanced technology, enabling legislation and compelling research, devices are used irregularly – why?

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Introduction Implementation and delivery of interlock technology has received far less attention. Practitioners are a linchpin in the delivery of interlocks to offenders – yet they have had limited opportunities to provide input. This has hindered the use and expansion of interlocks -- 10% of eligible offenders have an interlock installed. Attention must now be focused on improving implementation and delivery.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Priority issues Complexity of the system EducationEligibility Monitoring for compliance Inter-agency coordination and cooperation Resources

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Priority issues Complexity of the system: Complexity of the system: System consists of many interdependent agencies – each with its own goals and responsibilities. Procedures and processes are governed by legislation and regulation. Practitioners are obliged to fulfill statutory requirements imposed by the system – i.e., the use of interlocks must fit within the existing and accepted practices that govern the justice system.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Priority issues Education: Education: Practitioners require diverse information about interlocks to fulfill their respective roles and obligations. Research results and technological advances are substantial and impressive but not well-translated in the criminal justice literature. Comprehensive educational opportunities are inconsistent and/or non-existent for professionals. Myths and legends surrounding interlocks have never been adequately addressed outside of the research community.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Priority issues Eligibility: Eligibility: Interlocks are a priority need for high risk offenders -- repeat, high-BAC, and non-compliant. These offenders are least likely to install an interlock. These offenders are frequently excluded from the use of interlocks for persistent non-compliance. The greatest benefits will accrue by ensuring these offenders are subject to an interlock device.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Priority issues Monitoring for compliance: Monitoring for compliance: Research shows more than 40% of convicted offenders fail to complete the terms and conditions of sentencing. Interlocks are only effective if installed – many offenders avoid installation. A lack of monitoring means sanctions are not imposed for non-compliance; compliance is not reinforced – i.e., minimizes the benefits of interlocks. Detracts from public support for interlocks and their faith in the justice system to protect the public.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Priority issues Inter-agency coordination and cooperation: Inter-agency coordination and cooperation: Many agencies are involved in the delivery of interlocks. Treatment plays a critical role but is rarely considered part of the system. Agencies frequently act as silos, not partners – delivery is fragmented. Communication, sharing and exchange of information is inconsistent/non-existent. Leads to a lack of leadership, responsibility and accountability.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Priority issues Resources: Resources: The use of interlocks has benefits but also costs – the allocation of resources has largely been an afterthought. Costs for education of professionals. Costs for the development of supporting policies, practices, and procedures. Costs for staffing/support for delivery. Costs of devices and monitoring – for paying and indigent offenders.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Opportunities Impaired driving remains a priority concern at all levels. Impaired driving remains a priority concern at all levels. Policymakers, practitioners and the public are engaged in the issue of interlocks. Policymakers, practitioners and the public are engaged in the issue of interlocks. Gaps in delivery have been identified. Gaps in delivery have been identified. The importance of a coordinated systems approach has been recognized. The importance of a coordinated systems approach has been recognized. Agencies can benefit from the strategic use of resources and lower recidivism rates. Agencies can benefit from the strategic use of resources and lower recidivism rates.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Future needs Ongoing dialogue among agencies to address identified gaps in delivery. Ongoing dialogue among agencies to address identified gaps in delivery. Streamlined and comprehensive legislation to close gaps in system and facilitate the delivery of interlocks to offenders posing the greatest risk. Streamlined and comprehensive legislation to close gaps in system and facilitate the delivery of interlocks to offenders posing the greatest risk. Development of implementation guidelines that accommodate demands of the justice system. Development of implementation guidelines that accommodate demands of the justice system. Consistent and uniform educational opportunities for all practitioners. Consistent and uniform educational opportunities for all practitioners.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Conclusions Ignition interlocks have considerable potential to reduce drunk driving recidivism and protect the public from high-risk offenders. Ignition interlocks have considerable potential to reduce drunk driving recidivism and protect the public from high-risk offenders. Interlocks represent an opportunity to reduce the burden imposed on the justice system by drunk driving offenders. Interlocks represent an opportunity to reduce the burden imposed on the justice system by drunk driving offenders. Coordinated approach involving policy- makers, criminal justice practitioners, treatment professionals and government agencies is critical to success. Coordinated approach involving policy- makers, criminal justice practitioners, treatment professionals and government agencies is critical to success.

TRAFFIC INJURY RESEARCH FOUNDATION A DRIVING FORCE FOR SAFETY Staying informed w w w. t i r f. c a