Pennsylvania Sheriff Threatens Suit to Keep DUI Centers Open

Montgomery County sheriff concerned about budget cuts that may close centers that process suspected drunk drivers.

Pennsylvania sheriff John Durante threatened legal action to keep county commissioners from closing five PA DUI centers. The facilities conduct blood testing on motorists suspected of driving under the influence in Montgomery County Pennsylvania. The sheriff said closing the centers would put “public safety at risk”.

County Commissioners have responded by saying that no formal action has been taken and the final budget will not be passed until December 22. They were also adamant that no drunks would be released onto the streets. The first draft of the $482 million county budget for 2009 calls for no tax increase and a trimming of expenditures. Shutting the DUI centers would save the county $300,000. The centers are currently funded from the county’s general fund. $150 from each fee paid into an accelerated rehabilitative disposition program for Montgomery County drunk driving helps offset the costs.

The first DUI center was established eleven years ago, aimed at expediting the blood alcohol testing and processing of a suspected drunk driver so an officer could return to patrol more rapidly. The centers however are not open 24/7 and they are underutilized by all law enforcement agencies. Municipal police departments are allowed access to the facilities but typically take suspects to hospitals for blood draw instead. More than 1600 Pennsylvania DUI arrests have been made in Montgomery County during the 20 months between February 2007 and August 2008, though it is not known how many went through the special DUI centers.

All sides of the issue have expressed interest in determining what best serves the community. That must, however, cover both public safety and fiscal responsibility.

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