UHP draw blood for Utah DUI Arrests!
I have had several cases in Farmington, Utah, where the officer will draw blood from the arrested person rather than take him or her to get a breath test. Is this really a good idea? I mean, police drawing blood on the side of the road doesn't seem sanitary. The police are there collecting evidence. The police are not there to ensure the health and safety of the person arrested. I'm not sticking my arm out and allowing a trooper stick me with a needle. The Arizona police have the same type of practice. Here's a story with some problems they are having with officers drawing the blood.
Tucson Region
Blood draws by officers in DUI stops questioned
Man files claim vs. county saying deputy infected arm
By Erica Meltzer
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 10.14.2007
"They have succeeded in getting blood evidence tossed out of court and charges against their clients dismissed based on the fact that it was a law enforcement officer, not medical personnel, who took the sample.
Now the man who believes an officer-administered blood draw caused his persistent infection has filed a claim against Pima County and the Pima County Sheriff's Department. A claim is the first step in a lawsuit.
"I think most of the public does not realize that law enforcement personnel are doing the draws," said Michael Bloom, an attorney in the case.
He said the practice raises several concerns, including that "the officer is not there in a medical capacity, he is there in a law enforcement capacity. He is not there to safeguard the health and safety of the suspect." "