Sheriff's Office To Put Grant Toward DUI Drug Testing Program

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Forensic Services Division, a nationally accredited crime laboratory, has been awarded a competitive one-year grant of $158,000 to help keep local roadways safe from impaired drivers, the sheriff's office announced.

The grant is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and runs through September 2025.

The Forensic Division will use the funds for detecting drugs in driving under the influence cases. Updated testing equipment will be purchased to replace existing equipment used to confirm drugs in DUI cases.

Supplies and equipment will also be purchased to support comprehensive analysis and enable the detection of illegal, prescription and over-the-counter drugs commonly found in DUI cases.

"We are grateful for this grant which will improve testing capabilities, analysis, and turnaround times at the Forensic Services Division," said Contra Costa Sheriff David Livingston. "Having rapid results will benefit county law enforcement agencies and prosecutors and help make the roads safer for everyone."