Suffolk Co. Hopes BAT Mobile Will Thwart Drunk Driving
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) -- The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office is hoping a new mobile DWI van, dubbed the BAT mobile, will help get drunk drivers off the roads.
After being unveiled earlier this year, the Breath Alcohol Testing vehicle will be set up at DWI checkpoints in the county starting this week.
The vehicle contains computers and testing equipment, which law enforcement officials hope will expedite traffic stops and allow sheriffs to return to patrols.
Sheriff Vincent DeMarco said the BAT mobile's capabilities will be implemented just in time for the holiday season.
"We are going to start using it this week and next week during the holiday stretch here of Christmas and New Year's," DeMarco told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.
Podcast
WCBS 880's Sophia Hall learns about Suffolk County's BAT mobile.
DeMarco said the BAT mobile was paid for with seized drug money and will allow sheriffs to be more efficient. Everything from blood-alcohol testing to paperwork to placing the suspect in custody can all be done in the van.
"The technology in the vehicle and the close proximity of the vehicle saves a lot of time," DeMarco said.
"While it's being done, we're able to get the officer back out on the road to look for more drunk drivers."
