Alcohol sensor an invasion of privacy?

Alcohol sensor an invasion of privacy?

Police in Florida (and elsewhere, I am sure) are adding to their arsenal against drinking and driving by deploying something called a Passive Alcohol Sensor. It looks like an ordinary flashlight, but it sucks in a sample of the air where it is pointed and analyses it for the presence of alcohol. Some are calling it an invasion of privacy while others say it is just an extension of a police officer's nose.

See some coverage from NBC-2 from Southwest Florida: NBC2 News Online - Alcohol sensor an invasion of privacy?. There's also a link to video of the story.

The Passive Alcohol Sensor is made by PAS International, which describes the technology thusly:

PAS IV:

The P.A.S. IV Alcohol Screening System combines: a) high-intensity, super-beam flashlight technology with b) a dynamic sampling system and c) a miniature alcohol sensor. It “sniffs” ambient air, the breath, open containers, or enclosed spaces for the presence of alcohol. The P.A.S. functions as a non-intrusive “extension of the operator’s nose.

The P.A.S. is a hand-held, rapid alcohol detection instrument using a platinum electrochemical fuel cell sensor of high alcohol specificity, accuracy and stability. Designed for law enforcement, industry, corrections, transportation agencies, and educational facilities. The operator-controlled sampling system guarantees accurate detection of alcohol, and is especially suited for quick subsequent measurements.

The P.A.S. is used to check alcohol presence/absence with or without a subject’s direct participation. When used without the subject’s direct participation it is known as passive sampling, as opposed to active testing where the subject blows directly into a mouthpiece or the intake port. The P.A.S. can also be used to detect open containers of alcoholic beverages, or to detect low, ambient levels of alcohol in enclosed spaces such as vehicles, jail cells, or classrooms.

0 comments:

Post a Comment

  • Health Care Reform Explained from B... Dan Roam at the Back of the Napkin Blog sums up the current health care reform effort in this four part health care series, Healthcare Napkins All. Great back of the...
  • Why We Need A Health Care Revolutio... Dr. Val Jones' road to revolution provides her personal perspective on the current state of our health care system and why we all need to work for change.Don't miss the...
  • The important lesson from sandcastl... As I return to West Virginia after a week spent at the beach -- this post by Jim Carrol, Futurist, Trends & Innovation Expert, caught my attention. Much of my week on...
  • A little Nick: I'm a liberal an... Law blogger posts online: Don't miss reading this post by my favorite hospital blogging CEO, Nick Jacobs over at Nick's Blog. Much of what Nick has to say strikes a chord with me and this post is...
  • Executive Order Impacts Health Care... Law blogger posts online: President Bush signed an Executive Order on August 22 requiring federal agencies to do more to inform public health care consumers about the cost and quality of health...
  • eHealthWV: West Virginia EHR Public... Law blogger posts online: As a part of West Virginia's participation in the Health Information Security and Privacy Collaborative (HISPC), West Virginia Medical Institute and its partners launch...
  • Physicians vs. Patient: Rating-Perm... Interesting post from the WSJ Health Blog on Medical Justice's new ratings-permission contracts (press release on service).This new service offered by Medical Justice...
  • Just when you thought it was safe: ... Law blogger posts online: I’ve blogged previously about just how much I hate browser toolbars and nothing much has changed in the four years that have passed. Call me nosey, but when I’m...
  • Governor Manchin Approves Cardiac C...The West Virginia Health Care Authority website indicates today that Governor Manchin approved the final revised certificate of need Cardiac Catheterization Standards.
  • A Law Actually Interview with… Litt... Next up in the interview chair is Gemma from Little Tiny Pieces. Little Tiny Pieces is an interesting name?  What it inspired it; does it have any hidden meanings?...
  • Let the voting commence!... Law blogger posts online: Yes, after two long weeks of nominations, the shortlist for the 2010 Blawggies has been decided and voting for the awards can officially begin! The polls will remain...
  • Is blogging good for your health?... Law blogger posts online: Is blogging good for your health?This Boston Globe article, Cancer blogs become part of treatment, indicates that blogging about your condition has a positive impact.The...
  • ADVANCE Magazine - Article on EHRs ... Recently I was interviewed for an article looking at the legal issues involved in the developing world of EHRs and PHRs written by Beth Walsh for ADVANCE Magazine. The...