Austin police blood draw debate brings anger to public forum
KEYETV >> 31st March 2009
Anger was high Monday night in the debate over the police department’s policy to draw blood if they suspect someone of driving while intoxicated and they refuse a breathalyzer test.
The Austin Police Department and city leaders held a community forum in City Council chambers that was almost shut down due to the commotion.
Chief Art Acevedo is pushing for a federally-funded program which would train police officers to withdraw blood, by force if necessary, from those who refuse a breathalyzer test.