Nampa Police's DUI Tool: Officers Can Draw Blood - East Idaho News
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Nampa Police’s DUI Tool: Officers Can Draw Blood

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NAMPA, Idaho (AP) – Police in Nampa have an unusual tool to help them handle driving under the influence offenses: They have 11 officers trained to take blood samples from suspects.

The Idaho Press-Tribune says few other local agencies have such a tool. Most departments typically call a paramedic or take a DUI suspect to a medical clinic for a blood draw.

Nampa Police Sgt. Jamie Burns says having its own officers qualified to draw blood often saves time and allows the department to modify the process to their needs.

He says officers can’t force uncooperative people to take mandatory alcohol breath tests. But they can get a blood sample every time, with a warrant from judge and enough officers to keep the situation under control.

The officers are trained at the College of Western Idaho.

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