Ascension : From The Constable's Desk
Submitted by The Islander (Police Ascension) 22.11.2007 (Article Archived on 06.12.2007)

Firstly, I would like to welcome the Chief of Police, Derek Thomas, who is on an Official Visit to the Detachment from the 15 November – 7 December.

Firstly, I would like to welcome the Chief of Police, Derek Thomas, who is on an Official Visit to the Detachment from the 15 November – 7 December. 

The purpose of his visit is to be strategically focused in developing the detachment. He will also be having high profile meetings with Heads of Organisations, prominent members of society and members of the public. It is important for the COP visit; where he can gauge the progress and receive a better understanding of the service we provide, in a way of moving forward. We wish him well during his stay on the island.

To date for this year the Detachment were successful in receiving Overseas Specialist Training, in Crime Scene Investigation, Speed Laser and Personal Safety. This training was seen as beneficial of which has been put into practice. It is always our intention to develop the service with new methods of policing. Arriving on Friday 16 November was Dr Paul Williams from Lion Laboratories in Wales, United Kingdom.

By the time you have read this week’s edition of the islander, we would have received training in the use of the Lion Intoxilyzer 8000 and the Lion Alcolmeter 500. These are new products to the service in analysing breath alcohol specimens. As you are fully aware of the current practice with the use of the Lion Alcolmeters, which are used strictly as a field test to determine the level of alcohol in a suspects breath. With the introduction of the Intoxilyzer this will be conducted in two parts.

(1) The field test will still be undertaken to determine the level of alcohol is the suspect’s breath on the Lion Alcolmeter 500. This will still be carried out at the scene of an accident, Police Station or where the requirement is made.  When the suspect provides a specimen of breath it would either display one of the four possible test results; Zero, Pass, Warn and Fail.

(2) If the test result is above the legal limit, the word FAIL flashes, with a beep for emphasis. In the event the suspect fails the test, he/she will taken to the Police Station to provide another breath test on the Intoxilyzer. It may be necessary to incorporate in the legalisation for the suspect to be arrested and brought to the Station to provide the second specimen of breath.

The Intoxilyzer 8000 is computerised unit, powered by mains supply and DC voltage for portable use. Other features are a keyboard for processing the suspect’s details, which produces a printout on rolls of film. It can be connected to a monitor, printer, CPU and modem. The sampling port is a flexible tube to which a disposable mouthpiece is attached. A further update will be given on the training aspects.

Have pleasant week and stay safe.

WPC Karen Williams