New Breathalyzers to be Installed Throughout Oregon

During the installation phase-in period, training for around 3,500 police officers will be provided for certification to use the Intoxilyzer Model 8000 breath-alcohol testing instrument.

Photo courtesy: Oregon State Police

(SALEM) - The Oregon State Police Forensic Services Division will soon be installing 130 new Intoxilyzer Model 8000 breath-alcohol testing instruments around the State,

replacing the current Intoxilyzer 5000 models that have been in use for over twelve years.

The installation will be phased in over the next several months.

According to OSP Forensic Supervisor Jeff Rost, installation of the 130 new instruments will be completed around Spring 2007.

The Intoxilyzer instrumentation will be installed in all county jail facilities, as well as

nearly 100 other locations including sheriff's departments, city police departments, and Oregon State Police offices.

Introduced into the market in 2003, its currently approved for use by police officers in Arizona, California, Florida, Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah.

Total cost for the project is approximately $1.7 million dollars and is paid for

through funds approved by the 2005 Oregon State Legislature and grant dollars from the Oregon Department of Transportation.

Each Intoxilyzer Model 8000 unit costs $8,575.00.

The Oregon State Police is appreciative of the assistance received from the Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Sheriff's Association, Oregon Association of Chiefs of Polive, Oregon District Attorney's Association, Office of Administration Hearings, and the Oregon Department of Justice in developing and implementing the Intoxilyzer 8000 program.