The Battlefords are among a number of select communities across Canada that will be part of a pilot project to test the use of roadside screening devices for drug-impaired driving.
The pilot project was announced last week by Ralph Goodale, minister of public safety, in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators.
According to a ministry news release, the pilot project is meant to test how well officers can use certain roadside drug testing devices on motorists.
The devices are called “oral fluid screening devices,” and they test saliva for the presence of drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine and opioids.
Battlefords RCMP detachment is one of those participating, as is the Toronto Police Service, Vancouver Police Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Gatineau police, Halifax Regional Police Service and RCMP Yellowknife detachment.
These police services will be trained in the use of two types of drug screening devices. Those will be used in operational settings with drivers and passengers who volunteer to anonymously provide a sample.
According to the news release, none of the results will be used against volunteers in court as evidence in any criminal or administrative proceeding.
The devices were picked based on prior testing results and use in other jurisdictions. Results will help establish possible future operating procedures, according to the government.
In a statement, Goodale touted the use of these devices in enhancing enforcement of drug-impairment laws in Canada.
“Testing these new drug screening devices is an important step in our ongoing effort to enhance the enforcement of drug-impaired driving laws, reduce drug-impaired driving and improve the safety and security of all Canadians,” said Goodale.
