Project Overview

This comprehensive study has identified ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the U.S. criminal DWI system for dealing with hard core drinking drivers. Its primary goal has been to identify priority problems and recommend practical solutions in each phase of the justice system.

The entire spectrum of policies, programs and practices that target hard core drinking drivers was examined -- from initial apprehension and charging by the police, through prosecution and adjudication, to the application of sanctions, and follow-up supervision by probation and parole officers. The research was based on an extensive literature review, supplemented by intensive discussions with front-line professionals, and a national survey of their views, opinions, experiences and recommendations.

Collectively, the four major reports on enforcement, prosecution, sanctioning and monitoring provide a roadmap for improving the criminal DWI system. The key findings and recommendations are synthesized in the Summary Report, which also encourages the development of a coordinated action plan for the implementation of the needed changes. To this end, TIRF has formed a Working Group on DWI System Improvements to advance the recommendations contained in the Summary Report.

Principal Investigators

Robyn D. Robertson is a Research Associate with the Traffic Injury Research Foundation. She received her Masters degree in Criminology and has worked for the Solicitor General of Canada and Members of Parliament in the areas of correction policy and legislation. Ms. Robertson is a part-time professor at the University of Ottawa where she teaches crime prevention and is also a part-time instructor for the Police Foundations Program at Algonquin College where, for the past seven years, she has taught criminological theory, the criminal justice system, and criminal and civil law.

Herb Simpson is President and CEO of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation. Previously he was a Clinical Psychologist in the Federal Penitentiary System and a Professor of Psychology at several universities. Dr. Simpson serves on numerous national and international road safety boards and committees. He has been recognized for his contributions, particularly in the areas of young drivers and drinking-driving, and has received a number of prestigious awards for them. During his 28-year career in traffic safety, he has produced several hundred reports and articles on traffic safety issues, is a member of the editorial board of several journals, and a consultant to government and industry around the world.

Sponsor