Suffolk mobile unit to tackle DWI arrests

The Suffolk County Sheriff's Office will announce a new mobile unit Wednesday able to process arrests, draw blood and conduct other necessary exams at the scene of an alleged drunken driving incident.

Sheriff Vincent DeMarco said the mobile unit, a modified command post vehicle larger than an RV, will be able to analyze breath and blood tests on the spot, giving more real-time results, since a person's blood-alcohol content can diminish with time.

The mobile unit will be staffed by the sheriff's office and include trained technicians, he said, allowing deputy sheriffs to return to patrol quicker.

The vehicle was purchased with a combination of grants and assets seized by the county during drug arrests.

A news conference is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the sheriff's office highway enforcement section at 360 Yaphank Ave. in Yaphank.