Bureau of Forensic Services

EVIDENTIAL PORTABLE ALCOHOL SYSTEM (EPAS)

The California Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensic Services is developing a new and innovative evidential roadside breath testing system. The heart of the system is the Draeger Alcotest 7410 Plus® in a fully supported, rugged, portable case. The system can act as a screening device or as an evidential breath-testing device that meets the requirements of court admissibility.

A handheld personal computer in conjunction with the 7410 Plus allows specialized software and a magnetic card reader to collect and transfer stored test data via modem to a statewide computer network. Printed records are produced at the time of testing using the built-in printer.

The EPAS case measures 16 inches by 13 inches by 7 inches. The 7410 Plus breath-testing device measures 8 inches by 2 ¾ inches by 1 ½. The complete unit weighs 14 ½ pounds.

The Bureau of Forensic Services provides service to 46 of California's 58 counties. The Bureau, with the support of the State Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), has taken a leadership role in developing roadside evidential testing. Our goal is to improve DUI enforcement and public safety by obtaining a breath sample at the time of the stop, not after transport to a testing facility. This roadside testing will allow agencies to more efficiently utilize their highly trained personnel. We are in the process of providing to our client agencies approximately 1,000 EPAS instruments specifically for portable evidential field use. This project is an important step in bringing new technology to the enforcement of the States drinking and driving laws.