News

August 14, 2015
Breath Alcohol Records Now Available on Department of Forensic Science Website
DMV Grant Helps Increase Transparency of Public Information

RICHMOND – Thanks to a grant administered by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ Highway Safety Office, the Department of Forensic Science’s (DFS) Breath Alcohol Section has placed additional breath alcohol records on the DFS website, thus making the records readily available to the general public, subjects of a breath test and attorneys.

“The Department’s initiative to expand the availability of its online breath alcohol records should be praised,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran. “It not only increases government transparency, it has the potential to reduce paper records and storage needs, thereby promoting government efficiency.”

“We are pleased to offer the new search capability for breath alcohol records on the DFS website,” said DFS Director Linda Jackson.  “This provides a way for stakeholders and the public to conveniently access the most commonly requested breath alcohol records.” Jackson noted that the Department receives about 400 requests a month for breath alcohol records by subpoena or through the Freedom of Information Act.

Searchable records available on the DFS website include:

• Subject Test Records, which indicate the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)  of subjects tested on more than 165  instruments throughout the Commonwealth.  Any personally identifying information in these records has been removed from  the website.
• Instrument Records, which include reports certifying the accuracy of the testing instruments. Instruments must be certified for accuracy at least once every six months.  Records are available back to 2009.
• Operator Records, which show that  instrument operators have the required licensure  and training.
• Statistical Reports, which compile information on BAC reports by age, year, etc. 

Breath alcohol records may be accessed from the DFS website here:

http://www.dfs.virginia.gov/laboratory-forensic-services/breath-alcohol/ba-records/

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Office of the Governor
Contact: Brian Coy
Email: brian.coy@governor.virginia.gov

Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security
Contact: Greg Davy
Phone: 804-971-3973
Email: greg.davy@governor.virginia.gov