11/20/2024
BETTER PROTECTION AGAINST IMPAIRED DRIVING
Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) is a major concern for sheriffs in all Indiana counties and police departments all over the US. Previously, the only accurate drug testing required sending urine or blood samples to a laboratoryโwhich could delay results for days. Times have changed:
The Knox County Sheriffโs Office, cooperating with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) has obtained the latest technology, SoToxaโข Oral Fluid Mobile Test System, and is using it to help identify drug-impaired drivers.
SoToxa is a handheld analyzer that uses an oral fluid swab to detect the presence of six kinds of drugs: co***ne, methamphetamine, opiates, cannabis (THC), amphetamine, and benzodiazepines. It's similar to a portable breathalyzer, but instead of testing for traces of alcohol, it detects the presence of drugs.
The Knox County Sheriffโs Office has also taken a huge step into the future of OWI enforcement by certifying two of our deputies, Deputy Kein Stein and Deputy Brayten Potter, in phlebotomy. Knox County Sheriffโs Office, in cooperation with ICJI, enrolled the deputies in a phlebotomy training program for Indiana officers at VU. Vincennes University collaborates with the Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana State Department of Toxicology for the training program. Sheriff Vantlin plans to offer this valuable training to more road deputies in the future.
This program provides Law Enforcement Phlebotomy (LEP) officers with specific policies and procedures that guide agencies wanting to adopt the program. The law enforcement phlebotomist will work under the direction of policies signed by a physician at the Indiana Department of Health. In the class, officers were qualified to draw blood. Indiana Code 9-30-6-6-6 (i-k) IGA | 2024 Indiana Code gives the officers the authority to draw blood.
Benefits of the program include:
Cost-free training and blood draw kits for qualified officers
Reduced impact on healthcare operations
No additional healthcare costs for blood draws
Simplifies the chain of custody
An increase in more timely, accurate data
Maximizes productivity, while minimizing officers out of service
The Knox County Sheriffโs Office strives to do all it can to protect all citizens from impaired drivers.
If you choose to drink or use drugs, do not operate a motor vehicle. We will catch you and you will go to jail.