The grant will be used to fund two full-time Crime Lab Toxicology Criminalists specializing in the analysis of biological samples for the presence of alcohol and drugs, overtime for Criminalists to assist in maintaining current forensic alcohol testing operations while working to expand services offered and training on testing methods and interpretation of results.
The Crime Lab has utilized previous OTS grant funding to expand drug toxicology testing in DUI cases, purchase new equipment, as well as increase both staffing and training for the Crime Lab’s Toxicology section.
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. From December 12 through January 1, 2026, Sheriff’s Deputies are conducting increased impaired driving patrols across San Diego County. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will go to jail.
Impaired driving does not just mean alcohol or illegal substances. It can be over-the-counter medication, prescription drugs, cannabis, and other impairing substances.
Since 2017, the average blood alcohol concentration of samples tested by the Crime Lab’s Toxicology section has been above a 0.17%, more than twice the legal limit…