Police officers are becoming increasingly reluctant to use new breathalyser units donated because of doubts about their reliability, this newspaper has learnt.
Though easier and more user-friendly than the bulky old devices, scepticism surrounds the new equipment donated last month by the Malta Insurance Association, police sources told this newspaper.
“Since the introduction of the new device the number of spot checks carried out has gone down because it can give completely different alcohol-level readings within a minute of each other,” one source said.
While there is no precise explanation for the “huge margin of error” in the results, early indications suggest that even consumption of breath fresheners, mouthwash or poor dental hygiene could affect the results, the source added.
“Many officers who are regularly on patrol are becoming increasingly apprehensive about using these unreliable devices, fearing they might make a fool of themselves.”
According to official figures supplied by the police, only 11 breathalyser tests were carried out on New Year’s Eve, even though a crackdown on drink-driving abuse had been promised. Of these, six drivers were found to be over the legal limit.
Officers who spoke to the Times of Malta but preferred to remain anonymous said that doubts over the accuracy of the new devices had been raised across the board, with complaints coming from several police districts.
The Malta Insurance Association donated 15 of the new Alcovisor Jupiter kits, which were presented to Police Commissioner Michael Cassar ahead of the Christmas season.
While the old equipment needed an onsite test and another at the station, the media were told that the new kits gave a conclusive result on the spot after just one test, complete with a printout featuring date, time and location.
According to the manufacturer’s website, the devices, which cost about €1,100 each, have recently been acquired by the police forces of Iraq, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria.
Doubts over the accuracy of the new units had been immediately raised by John Charles Ellul, managing director of Prosecure Ltd and the supplier of the old Lion Intoxilyzor units. He had said the new kits were “technically and legally inaccurate”.
Mr Cassar had pointed out, however, that the new kits were already in use in 14 countries, adding that they represented a minor improvement in various areas. He had said the contract with the old supplier had expired so the old units were being replaced.
Sources had said it cost €36,000 a year to calibrate those units.
A few weeks down the line, however, the question that is being raised is whether it was wise to replace tried-and-tested equipment with the new units given for free. Critics feel it was humiliating for the police to depend on charity to be able to fulfil its duties.
“In hindsight I don’t think it was a great idea for the police force to accept the offer, as the product leaves much to be desired. But now it seems we are stuck with it for years to come,” one officer remarked.
In addition, the changeover to the new kits had been far from smooth, he said. “Unfortunately, very little training was given on how to use them as they were presented to us the day after they were paraded in front of the media.”
Questions sent two weeks ago to the Home Affairs Ministry, which were subsequently referred to the police, were not answered by the time of writing.