What is the primary goal of the program?
The goal of the 24/7 sobriety management program is to combat the role that alcohol and drug abuse play in crime and criminal recidivism, particularly for drunk driving and drugged driving – and to reduce the number of DUIs and related costs by motivating offenders to change their behaviors.
How does the program work?
The program works to keep qualified offenders accountable on a daily basis to stay sober and clean. They are put into a program of ongoing scheduled or random testing (often twice-a-day alcohol testing for DUI offenders). Failure to pass a test results in immediate short-term incarceration. This system of continual monitoring paired with immediate consequences for failure has been demonstrated to be effective in causing offenders to change their behavior and maintain sobriety.
Who needs to be involved to implement the program?
24/7 sobriety management programs are most often implemented through law enforcement and judicial agencies. The larger list of stakeholders who are required or interested in participating include judges, testing agencies, departments of probation, parole, corrections, social services, and motor vehicles, treatment providers, and insurance companies. The program can also be tailored to work for private or public substance abuse treatment centers.
What are the benefits to the public?
The number of alcohol and drug related traffic accidents and fatalities will be reduced, as well as criminal recidivism and incidents of other crimes where alcohol and drugs are often an instigating factor. Participants can continue to live with family and remain employed, and overall it helps move them toward sober lifestyles. The program is very cost effective since it is entirely or primarily funded by the offenders.
In addition, the program improves the case management capabilities for law-enforcement personnel, provides an alternative to incarceration, and reduces prison/jail populations which are costly to maintain.
How successful is the 24/7 sobriety management program?
Since the pilot program first began in South Dakota in 2005, the state has administered over 3 million PBT (breathalyzer) tests to 16,000 offenders and participants show up for testing and pass their tests 99.6% of the time. Other testing models are available, and have showed good results as well.
Where should the program be administered?
24/7 Sobriety Systems will work with you to select and set up a testing facility or multiple testing facilities, depending on the needs outlined in your business model. We will also provide guidance regarding the amount of space needed, rental costs and agreements, internet access and phone services, parking and proximity to public transportation, compliance with government requirements for ADA access, and a temporary holding area within the testing facility.
How will it be monitored?
The IntoxiTrack data management software, produced by 24/7 Sobriety Systems, is an internet-based application designed to create a single venue for all involved to monitor the program. The software allows users to communicate a participant’s program requirements, schedule the testing regimens, determine compliance with the program’s requirements, and inform interested parties as to the participant’s status. All data is transmitted securely using https encryption technology.
What methods of testing are used?
24/7 Sobriety Management System offers a variety of testing types and methodologies to provide accurate monitoring. Breath alcohol detection, or twice-a-day testing, has shown to be the most effective. Alternative methods include random alcohol testing, random drug testing, continuous alcohol monitoring, transdermal alcohol testing, urine analysis for drug and alcohol markers, saliva drug and alcohol testing, and sweat patch drug testing.
What training is provided for employees, supervisors, and stakeholders?
Training is an important aspect of this program. We will provide you with written materials, training video and, in some cases, onsite training, and address specific personnel training for judges, enrollers, program directors and administrators, supervising agents, test site supervisors, and testers.
What are the specifications of the data management software?
IntoxiTrack applications are hosted on a secure server. All data collected are encrypted using 128 bit SSL. Users must be authenticated with a valid user ID and password in order to access the application. Data collected through 24x7sober.net and stored on the hosting server remain the exclusive property of the jurisdiction or organization collecting it. Data on our servers are backed up on a daily basis. As is required for all software used by U.S. government agencies, the24x7sober.net application is NIEM compliant.
Are 24/7 sobriety management systems for local or statewide agencies?
24/7 sobriety management programs work for all jurisdictions-city, county, state, and nationwide. Statewide programs often begin with a pilot program in one or more key locations, with full expansion of the program coming later.