The Regina Police Service has unveiled a new weapon in its fight against impaired driving: the Mobile Testing Unit (MTU). This specialized van is equipped with advanced technology to streamline the process of identifying and apprehending drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, right at the roadside. This represents a significant upgrade from the traditional roadside screening procedures, which often had limitations and necessitated bringing suspects back to the station for more comprehensive tests. The MTU’s on-site capabilities promise to expedite the entire process, leading to quicker identification and removal of impaired drivers from Regina’s streets.
The MTU’s primary advantage lies in its integrated technology. The van houses a breathalyzer, known as an Intoximeter, for accurate measurement of blood alcohol content (BAC). Furthermore, it incorporates oral fluid testing devices, specifically the Drager and Sotoxa, which can detect the presence of drugs in a driver’s system. This combined approach allows officers to assess both alcohol and drug impairment at the scene, eliminating the need for time-consuming trips back to the police station for further testing in many cases. This efficiency not only saves valuable police time but also contributes to a more effective and immediate response to suspected impaired driving incidents.
Prior to the introduction of the MTU, officers relying solely on standard roadside screening devices often faced challenges. These devices primarily provided preliminary indications of impairment, lacking the precision and comprehensive analysis offered by the equipment in the MTU. Consequently, when a standard roadside screening suggested impairment, officers often had to transport the suspect to the police station for more definitive testing using more sophisticated equipment. This process was inherently time-consuming and resource-intensive, delaying the confirmation of impairment and potentially prolonging the exposure of impaired drivers to the public.
The MTU’s on-site testing capacity addresses these limitations directly. By enabling officers to conduct thorough alcohol and drug impairment assessments at the roadside, the MTU streamlines the entire process. Suspects who are found to be impaired can be processed more efficiently, and those who are cleared can be released without unnecessary delays. This enhanced efficiency allows the Regina Police Service to dedicate more resources to proactive patrolling and other critical law enforcement activities, ultimately contributing to improved public safety.
The implementation of the MTU underscores the Regina Police Service’s commitment to combating impaired driving, a serious threat to public safety. Impaired driving remains a leading cause of traffic accidents and fatalities across the country, and the Regina Police Service is actively seeking innovative solutions to address this persistent problem. The MTU provides a powerful new tool in this effort, enabling quicker and more efficient identification and removal of impaired drivers from the streets, ultimately aiming to reduce the incidence of impaired driving and its devastating consequences.
By investing in advanced technology like the MTU, the Regina Police Service is demonstrating its dedication to protecting the community. This proactive approach not only strengthens law enforcement’s capacity to deal with impaired drivers but also sends a clear message that impaired driving will not be tolerated. The expedited testing process enables a more immediate response to suspected impairment, potentially preventing accidents before they occur. Ultimately, the MTU represents a significant step towards creating safer roads for everyone in Regina.
