Interlock pics catch DWI cheats
Photos show who blows into mouthpiece
Convicted drunk drivers will find beating the system to be more difficult now that ignition interlocks come equipped with cameras.
Judges in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court in Albuquerque will now start ordering some drunk drivers to use the camera-equipped devices.
The devices require someone convicted of DWI to blow into a mouthpiece to confirm they have not consumed alcohol before the ignition can be started.
Traditional interlock devices have been successful in ensuring most people with a history of DWI don't get behind the wheel drunk again, according to the state. However many of them have found ways around it often getting friends or family to blow into the interlock.
The camera device doesn't allow that. It takes a picture of the person who blows into it and then downloads the picture and information on blood alcohol level, so that judges, attorneys and others can see it.
That assures the correct person is behind the wheel.
Metro Court Chief Judge Judith Nakamura said the interlock cameras will not be required for everyone. A judge will have the discretion in which cases to order them, she said.
Unfortunately, Nakamura added, the cameras are necessary for many defendants.
"There are always people who are going to try and beat the system, and it's certainly important to use this tool with those folks," she said. "Ideally it would be great to have a police officer or probation officer following people convicted of crimes around.
"That's not possible, so for those who are trying to cheat in this manner, this is a great tool to have."
At this point the state is against making the cameras mandatory. State officials said in most cases the current interlocks are efficient, which is why they are leaving the decision up to a judge.
Using the camera interlock costs the driver an extra $1 a day. Offenders are responsible for paying for the device, but if they can't afford it there are state funds to help.
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