The Breath Alcohol Testing (B.A.T.) Mobile Program in Arkansas stands as a crucial asset in the ongoing battle against impaired driving. Since its inception in 2009, this initiative has been instrumental in both enforcing DUI laws and deterring potential offenders. While the precise number of lives saved by the B.A.T. Mobile Program remains unquantifiable, Arkansans can be assured of its unwavering commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies across the state. This support is vital in protecting communities from the dangers posed by drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
What Exactly is the B.A.T. Mobile?
The B.A.T. Mobile is a specialized, mobile command center designed for conducting sobriety checkpoints throughout Arkansas. Based at the Black River Technical College’s Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pocahontas, Arkansas, this resource is available to law enforcement agencies statewide at no cost. The B.A.T. Mobile Program is funded through grants from the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office (ASHO) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This grant funding covers all operational expenses, including maintenance, fuel, accommodation for staff, salaries, and comprehensive training related to the B.A.T. Mobile’s use.
This impressive vehicle is a custom-built 38-foot long, 13.5-foot tall Freightliner truck, manufactured by MBF Industries in Sanford, Florida. Equipped with a sophisticated array of nine cameras, the B.A.T. Mobile provides complete 360-degree recorded coverage of all checkpoint activities. Five cameras are positioned externally, while four are located inside the vehicle. Notably, one exterior camera is mounted on a 30-foot LED light tower, offering an elevated, comprehensive view of the entire checkpoint area. Inside, three cameras are dedicated to recording officers conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and Drug Recognition Evaluations (DREs). The final interior camera is a Hawkeye HGN system, specifically designed to magnify and record eye movements during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, a key component of SFSTs. All interior cameras are equipped with audio recording capabilities, ensuring a complete and accurate record of interactions.
To further enhance the accuracy and fairness of sobriety tests, the B.A.T. Mobile incorporates hydraulic leveling jacks. These jacks ensure a level surface, providing a neutral environment for individuals to perform the psychophysical tests of the SFSTs. Additionally, the mobile unit includes an examination room and all necessary equipment to conduct thorough drug recognition evaluations directly on-site.
Connectivity is also a priority. The B.A.T. Mobile is equipped with a Verizon 5G wireless router, Dish Network, and a satellite phone, ensuring reliable communication and data transmission even in remote locations. The rear of the vehicle features a prominent 36″x 60″ LED message board, used for displaying traffic advisories, public service announcements, and promotional messages related to road safety. Beyond the vehicle itself, the B.A.T. Mobile program provides essential equipment for setting up effective checkpoints, including traffic cones, warning signs, safety flares, portable speed bumps, and portable stop signs.
The Mission of the B.A.T. Mobile Program
The B.A.T. Mobile program is driven by a clear and critical mission, focused on several key objectives:
- Advanced Training and Support: To offer advanced training and on-site technical and equipment support to law enforcement officers and agencies, particularly during low-staffing or multi-agency sobriety checkpoints.
- Mobile Training Platform and Public Awareness: To utilize the Breath Alcohol Testing (B.A.T.) Mobile as a mobile training platform and public relations tool. This includes raising community awareness about the serious crime of drunken and drugged driving, in addition to its use in actual sobriety checkpoint enforcement activities.
- Developing Effective Sobriety Checkpoint Programs: To develop a legal, safe, efficient, and Constitutionally sound sobriety checkpoint program. The goal is for Arkansas law enforcement agencies to regularly use this program as part of their ongoing efforts to deter and apprehend impaired drivers.
- Reducing Traffic Crashes and Fatalities: Ultimately, the overarching mission is to significantly reduce alcohol and drug-related traffic crashes and fatalities on all roadways throughout the State of Arkansas.
Latest blog post: Bat Mobile Checks In At Arkansas State Police Headquarters.
To learn more about the B.A.T. Mobile and how it can be utilized in your city or county within Arkansas, please click here to contact Ashley Boles at Black River Tech.
Impaired Driving is a Choice. Drive Sober, Arkansas!
Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office
1 Arkansas State Police Plaza, Little Rock, AR 72209
