Program Description:
I
n counties implementing the program, first-time DUI offenders
with a BAC of at least 0.17% and repeat DUI offenders
must participate in the 24/7 Sobriety Program in order to obtain
a conditional driver’s license. The 24/7 Sobriety Program is
being used by the courts as a condition of bond, sentence/probation,
and family courts. The program stresses separating the
offender from alcohol as a method to rehabilitate drunk drivers
and change behavior. The program uses several tools to make
sure that the participants are following the program guidelines.
The tools include: twice-a-day breath tests (PBTx2), transdermal
monitoring systems, drug patches and urine tests. Additionally,
participants may be required by the court to use more than one
testing/monitoring method.
Of the tools available, PBTx2 is the most common monitoring
tool used. If participants don’t show up for a scheduled test, or a
test shows he has consumed alcohol, then his probation, parole
or bond may be instantly revoked and he may be immediately
jailed. Sanctions are swift, certain and measured. Sanctions
most often afford a reinstatement into the program.
The program allows for a considerable amount of freedom for
the offender. For example, participants can still drive, work and
stay with their families. This reduces jail populations and allows
participants to continue to be part of their community.
Program Effectiveness:
Twenty thousand DUI offenders have been placed on the
program’s twice-per-day testing regimen. Of those, 99.4% have
shown up on time for compliance (breath) tests and tested
negative for alcohol use; 0.6% failed to show up or failed their
breath tests. Compared to DUI offenders not in the program,
participants with two DUI arrests who were in the program for
30 consecutive days had a 74% reduction in recidivism when
studied three years after their second DUI arrests. Those with
three DUI arrests had a 44% reduction in recidivism, and those
with four DUI arrests had a 31% reduction in recidivism.