Belmont High School
Breathalyzer Policy and Procedure
Quick Facts
2012-2013 (Pilot Year)
- The 2012-2013 school year is a pilot year. This is to help determine how the 2013-2014 policy and protocol should be crafted.
- All testing is administered in private and by a school administrator.
- School administrators will be trained on how to administer the test.
- Breathalyzers would only be used at school events.
- Breathalyzers would not be used during the school day.
- Depending on the school event, students are either randomly or all selected.
- Random selection, i.e. every 5th student
- If a student is exhibiting signs of intoxication according to the protocol check list, student would be tested.
Signs of intoxication:
– Slurred speech
– Unsteady gait
- Impaired motor skills
- Glassy and/or bloodshot eyes
– Smell of intoxicating liquor on breath, clothing or person
– Vomiting
– Evidence of possession of alcohol
- If a breathalyzer test is positive, the student has 2 more opportunities to take the test.
- If an administrator determines that a student is intoxicated or has used alcohol based on one or more of the above indicators, parent/guardian is notified and requested to take the student home.
- The current 2012-2013 BHS handbook applies to students found intoxicated. No changes in the BHS discipline policies and procedures.
Breathalyzer Surveys
1. BHS Senior Survey (104 students)
- Do you want to have dances? Yes-88% No-12%
- If there would be random breathalyzer testing, would you attend? Yes-73% No-27%
- If everyone would be tested with a breathalyzer at the door, would you attend? Yes-70% No-30%
- Would you attend the dance sober? Yes-86% No-14%
2. Massachusetts High School Breathalyzer Survey (74 high schools participated)
- Do you use a breathalyzer at your high school? Yes-95% No-5%
- If No, do you plan on or are you in the process of implementing a breathalyzer policy at your school? Yes-40% No-60%
