GLENDALE SQUAD TALKS DUIs

The Glendale Police Department's DUI Enforcement Squad's focus is to stop accidents.

Sgt. Mark Malinski said prevention motivates DUI officers, who often respond to accidents. Pulling over the swerving vehicle or erratic driver can prevent tragedy down the road.

"Deep down, we know we stopped that great big crash from happening," he said.

Malinski and others on the squad talked with the Republic about common misconceptions about DUI enforcement and the law. The conversation included Officers Jason Miller, Paul Campbell, Joe Ahern, David Vidaure and Kris Johnston.

QUESTION: What substances could lead to a DUI?

ANSWER: Anything that impairs you when driving. "That can include paint, glue, alcohol or prescription drugs," Campbell said.

Q: How many drinks does it take to be cited for DUI?

A: "Everybody's different. One person can have one, others can have more. It depends on tolerance," Campbell said.

If police recognize signs of impairment such as red, watery eyes or alcohol on the breath, they can make a DUI arrest, Malinski said.

"I don't think any of us think of the number of drinks they've had. It's whether they're impaired or not. You can be under the legal limit (.08) and still be arrested for DUI," Malinski said.

"A mixed drink may (be) the equivalent of two or three beers so it's not just the number of drinks, it's the type of drink. A lot of people don't (realize) how much they've had. They wouldn't think of driving if they knew," Vidaure said.

Q: What happens if a person refuses a breath test?

A: Suspects may refuse a preliminary breath test on the street, but they will face a consequence if they refuse an Intoxilyzer breath test at the police station or in a DUI van, Malinski said.

"If you don't allow us to test, your license is suspended for a year," Campbell said.

In Glendale, officers usually write a search warrant for a suspect's blood to determine his or her level of intoxication if a breath test is refused. (Each Glendale DUI officer is a certified phlebotomist.)

If a judge approves the warrant, an officer draws blood. A suspect who is uncooperative can be charged with aggravated assault against an officer, a felony, Campbell said.

Q: Can you be cited for DUI if you've only taken cold medicine?

A: Police arrest more DUI suspects who have used prescription drugs than those who have used illegal drugs, Malinski said. "It's going to come down to whether there is impairment," he said.

The sergeant said he won't drive if he's taken cold medicine, cough syrup or prescription drugs that can cause drowsiness.

"I've responded to serious injury and fatality (crashes) that involved prescription drugs," Campbell said.

Q: How long should someone wait after drinking to drive?

A: It varies by person. However, someone with .15 blood alcohol content may take about 10 hours to completely metabolize the alcohol, Malinski said.

"If you're worried that you may be (impaired), then you are. If you have to question, 'Should I or shouldn't I drive?' then you shouldn't," Vidaure said.

Q: What do you wish people knew about DUIs?

A: "People don't realize that their vehicle becomes a weapon (when they're impaired)," Miller said.

The officer said he has been hit three times by motorists who were under the influence.