Nip addiction in the bud, while it’s the equivalent of a “broken window.” Aggressively go after DUIs.
“Broken Windows”theory suggests that we should aggressively go after DUIs
Law enforcers have long observed that a broken window creates a tendency among vandals to bust a few more windows, eventually break into a building and even become squatters or arsonists. In the same vein, it theorized that litter, if not quickly picked up, accumulates. The idea suggests that if we fix the window and clean up the trash”in other words, attack low-level offenses”more serious ones will be prevented.
When Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton implemented a version of this as head of the New York Transit Police in 1990, he adopted a zero-tolerance policy for fare dodging, made arrestee processing easier and required background checks on all those arrested. Rates of both petty and more serious crimes fell precipitously in New York City during the 1990s.
Doubters of the broken window theory suggest that serious crime and disorder might be symptoms of deeper problems, such as social and economic disadvantages. While this may be a factor in determining the particular style of misbehaviors, the underlying general problem may instead be rooted in the heavy use of alcohol and other drugs (licit and illicit alike). Support for this theory can be found in the fact that misbehaviors dissipate when addicts become clean and sober. We could experience dramatic crime reduction by coaxing users into recovery. In other words, the issue of alcoholism-driven misbehaviors needs to be addressed when it is the equivalent of a broken window.
Recovering addicts admit they were often high as a kite behind the wheel. A typical driver under the influence commits the act on average once or twice per week. Evidence suggests these are the same people responsible for at least 80% of misbehaviors off the road, including criminal conduct. Tremendous leverage could therefore be gained by getting addicts clean.
Many confess that an arrest for DUI got them sober. In other words, consequences knocked them down so they could bottom out. This suggests an even more efficient way to reduce crime might be apprehending more DUIs and requiring appropriate treatment.
Public policy needs to make it easier for police to act. We should reduce the “probable cause”thresholds for DUI testing. Then, we can:
–require that every police officer be trained to use a 60-second eye test called horizontal gaze nystagmus, or HGN, to determine the blood alcohol level (BAL) and employ additional non-intrusive eye tests to quickly identify the likelihood of other drugs in the system.
–mandate that every traffic violator be checked using these non-intrusive tests. Even trained officers can’t always spot highly tolerant alcoholics while under the influence at high BALs. Surprisingly, relatively innocuous traffic violations are evidence of possible DUI. Tailgating, cutting in line and sudden braking have been found to be committed by DUIs in roughly 50% of incidents. Alcoholics behave and drive recklessly and are often inconsiderate of the rights of others. They shouldn’t be on the road.
— require an immediate breathalyzer test for any offender appearing to be over the .08 threshold for per se DUI.
–mandate that anyone failing the initial test be given another one 20 minutes later and, failing that, be escorted to the station.
–reduce the paperwork burden. It takes three hours to process a DUI in Los Angeles. It took 45 minutes 30 years ago. That’s how long it should take today.
–restrict release of any detainee found to be under the influence.
Recovering addicts admit that pain was their best friend. We can help by letting them stare at four walls until the drug is out of the system. Someone with a BAL of .15% upon his arrest will test zero 10 hours later. Let him out then, not before.
Society has the right to coerce abstinence in those who have proven they act badly when drinking or using. Those convicted of even one DUI offense should be required to test clean for at least two years. With ankle bracelets and regular and random testing, we can achieve this goal.