The effect of ICT on crime and the law (Part 2)

Breathalysers

The concept of how breathalysers work was first realised in 1927 by Emil Bogen who realised that if traces of ethanol were found in the suspects breath (with a high amount) they were drunk. The first roadside police breath-testing device was created in 1938, in which the suspect blew up a football balloon and the air was tested for ethanol. The current method used today, using chemical oxidation and photometry, was first developed in 1954. The UK limit for alcohol when driving is 4 units for men and 3 units for women. If the driver is over the limit, they can tell using a breathalyser and they can be taken back to a local police station where they would be kept in a cell, points taken off their driving licence, up to £5000 fine and possibly up to 6 months in prison.  The breathalyser provides crucial evidence; showing whether the driver is drunk/over the limit. 

Advantages:

• The breathalyser provides accurate evidence so that the driver can be prosecuted heavily. The prosecution is heavy and persuades less drivers to commit the crime, thus keeping dangerous drivers off of the streets.
• It is quick and easy to use, meaning that police officers do not waste valuable time catching other criminals, the situation can be dealt quickly along with a heavy punishment.
• They are affordable; this means that it does not cost the tax-payer a lot of money to invest in the system and it also means that the public can test themselves before driving.
• The accuracy of it can also be used as crucial evidence in court. It will help lock a way the dangerous drivers.

Disadvantages

• It may produce a false reading if the suspect has drunk alcahol recently (but under the limit) due to a high level of alcahol in the mouth, meaning that some people may be unlawfully fined.
• The breathalyser can be less accurate too if they have smoked recently, which could also cause the same problem as above.
• It doesn't stop everyone from doing it again; most convicters are likely to re-convict, and it doesn't necessarily stop all the dangerous drivers.
• It requires a long sample of breath; if the suspect has a small lung capacity or emphysema it can be difficult to obtain a sample.

An example of the danger that a "drunk" person can cause