By INDARJIT SEURAJ Friday, December 11 2009

TRAINING in the use of the breathalyser kits began yesterday as the Police Service aims to begin using the device at the start of the Christmas holiday weekend. In a release yesterday, the TT Police Service noted that police officers of all ranks have begun a series of “intensive training programmes” in the law governing the use of the breathalyser.

This, it was noted, is in order to meet “international best practice standards.” The road fatality figure for the year has already climbed to 187 and the ministry of National Security is seeking to implement the testing ahead of the yuletide season. Drunk driving has been cited by the Ministry and safety driving advocates such as Arrive Alive as a major contributor to road deaths.

Apart for testing drivers for alcohol consumption, officers will be targeting drivers who have alcohol in their possession while driving, the release stated.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Maurice Piggot said, at the start of yesterday’s training seminar, he expects all officers to be trained in as breathalyser technicians.

He also stated that a select few would be trained as “trainers” in the testing devices. He also urged citizens to obey the law and desist from drinking and driving. “The legislation governing breathalyser testing is expected to change drinking and driving habits of the local community and in effect discourage persons from driving under the influence of alcohol,” Piggott said in the release.