Fort Worth Police Confuse Local Drivers
Off-duty officers participating in the National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers confused and frustrated drivers when asking for samples to detect alcohol use.
When off-duty cops participated in the National Roadside Survey of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers in Fort Worth, many motorists were confused and frustrated, according to a report published by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Drivers were being pulled over for breath samples, saliva swabs, and blood draws as part of the voluntary survey, for which they would be paid to participate. Off-duty cops in uniform participated in the survey, which led to the confusion.
Fort Worth Police Chief Jeffrey Halstead apologized for the participation of the off-duty officers that led to the confusion and frustration. Drivers felt that to stop them for a survey, not something such as an insurance or DWI check, seemed excessive. The chief further stated that Fort Worth police would not participate in the national survey again because it jeopardized the public's trust.