Device offers new way to test impaired drivers

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) – Technology within police departments continues to evolve, and now the Evansville Police Department is reaping the benefits of a new roadside impairment test. It is referred to as the equivalent to the portable breath test (PBT) used to detect alcohol, and it is making waves for officers on the roads.

"When we come across a subject that's impaired and alcohol does not seem to be the source of that impairment," explains Sgt. Dan Deeg with EPD, "we have this device now that they can test someone and tell what kind of narcotics are in their system."

The device is a SoToxa testing unit, which can detect up to 6 categories of drugs, including narcotics, methamphetamines, and marijuana. Sgt. Deeg has been training his officers on how to use the device for the past two years.

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"With the prevalence of narcotics in communities and, obviously the legalization of marijuana in some states nearby, we've seen more impaired drivers driving impaired on drugs in addition to the alcohol," says Sgt. Deeg.

SoToxa tests for drugs that are actively in a person's system. Officers will first conduct a standard field sobriety test before requesting a SoToxa test if necessary. "It's got an oral swab that we give to the subject," explains Sgt. Deeg. "They swab the inside of their mouth and we put that swab into this device."

The device then reads the sample, providing results in just five minutes. Sgt. Deeg says the device has already been used to solve investigations and would be a valuable tool to keep drivers safe should Indiana legalize the use of marijuana.

"The debate over legality is for, you know, another place, but marijuana will absolutely impair someone's ability to drive a vehicle," says Sgt. Deeg. "This isn't a be all, end all in testing," adds Sgt. Deeg, "but it gives officers that tool, that information, to know if they need to continue to investigate any further on that impairment."

EPD currently uses two SoToxa devices in use, provided through grants by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (CJI). The CJI says, right now, SoToxa units are used in 77 law enforcement agencies across the Hoosier state.