The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) announced on Friday that the results of DWI breath tests, which were previously thought to be inaccurate, have been confirmed as valid. This announcement follows a thorough investigation into data entry errors that had raised concerns about the reliability of the tests.
Earlier this month, the BCA mandated that all law enforcement agencies in the state halt the use of DataMaster instruments until they could ensure that data had been correctly input into each device. These errors were particularly noted during the replacement of the dry gas cylinder used for control tests, prompting BCA Superintendent Drew Evans to express uncertainty regarding the validity of hundreds of test cases.
At a press conference, Evans reaffirmed the BCA”s confidence in the instruments, stating, “As I said before, we stand behind the instruments and the validity of the testing and the reliability of the instruments across Minnesota.” He emphasized that BCA scientists are ready to testify regarding the accuracy of the recalculated results.
The BCA first became aware of the data entry issues in September. Following the BCA”s order, several law enforcement agencies, including the St. Paul police and the sheriff”s offices of Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington counties, were able to resume the use of breath tests shortly thereafter.
On Friday, BCA lab scientists performed a mathematical recalibration of the affected tests, utilizing the correct alcohol concentration of the installed gas cylinder. They concluded that the control tests were successful and remained within acceptable ranges, despite prior data entry mistakes. BCA officials indicated that they would support the validity of the control tests when required.
DataMaster machines are utilized across the state, with approximately 19,000 to 20,000 tests conducted annually, according to the BCA. Initial data entry issues were identified in counties including Aitkin, Winona, and Chippewa, with further discrepancies found later in Hennepin and Olmsted counties.
To mitigate the risk of future errors, the BCA has prohibited law enforcement personnel from replacing dry gas cylinders on DataMaster instruments. Only BCA staff will be permitted to perform these replacements, and access to the dry gas cylinder compartments on all DataMaster devices will be restricted.
As of Friday, over 50% of the DataMaster instruments have been verified to ensure proper installation. This verification process is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. Additionally, updates to the training of DataMaster operators have been implemented, with more information to be made available on the BCA website.
