News

Wisconsin counties deploy kiosks for mandatory alcohol screening

September 3, 2019

Wisconsin counties are using automated kiosks to conduct Breathalyzer tests for residents required to participate in court-mandated alcohol screening, according to a Wisconsin Public Radio report.

The tests are taken without the presence of a supervisor.

Precision Kiosk Technologies, based in Minneapolis, has offered automated systems to least eight counties, including Racine, Door, St. Croix and Sawyer. 

Law enforcement officers in Racine County have been able to release low-risk nonviolent offenders providing they comply with alcohol screening, said Patrick McKinney, the company’s general manager.

The kiosks have also been used for Huber work release programs or probation, said McKinney. The kiosks are usually located in the lobby of law enforcement centers or jails to allow 24-hour access to testing.

The kiosks use fingerprint authentication, an individualized pin or video to verify user identity. The system notifies users of upcoming tests through emails or text messages. The user pays a nominal fee to help cover the cost of the system.