The BCA Lab and Minnesota Justice Information Services, in partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety, will replace all the existing breath test instruments in Minnesota and connect them to the BCA via a secure network. The new breath testing instruments will be integrated with the eCharging system which provides a method for law enforcement to electronically file forms to administratively revoke a person’s driver’s license and criminally charge a person for driving impaired. In addition to the breath analysis results, this project will include integrating blood and urine results from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension laboratory with the eCharging system. By integrating the new breath testing instruments and blood and urine results with eCharging, the alcohol concentration level and all information collected by the instrument will automatically be added to the DWI administrative forms that will be transmitted to DVS.
Project Phases
Phase I: This phase will include the RFP, evaluation and selection of new instruments. Comprehensive testing will be done to insure new instruments Minnesota’s needs.. It will also include connection of the new instrument via secure CJDN that will allow information to be sent both ways. Statewide training and certification will also occur.
Phase II: This phase will enable law enforcement to send BCA certified Breath Test results via eCharging DWI forms (currently in pilot) directly to DVS.
Phase III: This phase will enable law enforcement to send BCA certified Laboratory blood and urine alcohol results via eCharging DWI forms directly to DVS.
About BTEI
280 instruments purchased to replace all aging instruments and to add to the fleet to address the more populated areas
Near real time monitoring of fleet performance
Changes to instruments implemented from a central location
Ability to reproduce entire test record anytime, including officer comments
Specific instrument usage data distribution without download delays
Increased security using unique operator identification for instrument access.
Benefits for Public Safety
Enhanced public safety
Expanded capabilities
Increased productivity
Provides mobile testing potential
Cost savings
- Laws already changed to allow for this format
