One of the most popular uses for a breathalyzer is in law enforcement. These machines are useful for detecting the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) present in an individual. The majority of the time, the subject submitting to the alcohol breathalyzer is an operator of a motor vehicle. The legal limit of BAC present before an individual is considered legally impaired does not vary by state; rather it is standard across the United States at 0.08g per 210 liters of breath.
Blood alcohol contents can be accurately measured through a blood sample taken at a medical facility; however, the appropriate method for obtaining BAC levels for law enforcement officials is by using a breath alcohol analyzer. The method for collecting air samples is quite simple. The subject is asked to take a deep breath and blow into the analyzer for a specified amount of time. This ensures samples from deep in the lungs, alveolar air, are analyzed during the test. Police officers are specially trained in using breathalyzers to ascertain that the samples taken are accurate and uncontaminated. Mouth alcohol is a common cause of inaccurate readings. It is important to observe the subject for approximately 15 minutes before administering the test; otherwise inaccurate high readings can result from any alcohol
fumes remaining in the mouth from recently consumed alcoholic beverages.
Breathalyzers used by law enforcement officials are approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The machines must be maintained according to the protocols set by the Administration. To make sure the machines are in proper working order, they must be calibrated according to a mandated schedule. Failure to calibrate a machine, to keep accurate testing records or to address false positives obtained during maintenance can disqualify data collected from a subject as admissible in a court of law. With strict drunk driving laws enforced nationally, it is important to ensure proper testing equipment for obtaining accurate data in the potential prosecution of impaired drivers.
While breathalyzers can measure the BAC of an individual, they do not measure any alternative illegal substances that may have been consumed by a subject. Drivers impaired by other illegal substances, specifically drugs, may be evaluated by a certified Drug Recognition Expert. School resource officers can use a portable breathalyzer to assess a member of the student body thought to be impaired. The portable breathalyzer can also be used roadside to provide a baseline for impaired motor vehicle operators. Overall, breathalyzers, portable or stationary, are considered an integral part of every police officer's job.
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