Protests Against Police Plan to Draw Blood in Austin DWI Arrests

Police Chief Art Acevedo wants to train officers to draw blood for Texas DWI in Austin.

Police Chief Art Acevedo announced a plan to train officers to draw blood when a motorist refuses to submit to a breath test and is suspected of drunk driving in Austin. The Texas Civil Rights Project has described the idea as “ill conceived, unnecessary and dangerous.” The Austin Police Association has said it has “issues and concerns.”

Acevedo is seeking federal funds to train as many DWI patrol officers as possible in the drawing of a blood sample. The officers would replace paramedics and nurses. Acevedo has cited reduced taxpayer cost and the advantage of time in drawing a sample quickly from a motorist suspected of driving while intoxicated in Austin.

Critics raise concerns about blood related pathogens and the presence of needles during a DWI arrest.

A spokesman for the Texas Civil Rights Project said the practice will open the city to possible lawsuits. Similar action has occurred in other states, including Arizona and Utah, where officers are used to draw blood samples.

See related article Police Chief Art Acevedo Wants to Draw Blood for Texas DWI in Austin posted on July 1, 2008.