Commission approves $6,302 justice assistance grant to buy portable BAC units for sheriff

Duchesne County commissioners on Sept. 15 approved a $6,302 Justice Assistance Grant administered through the Utah Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to buy eight portable intoxilyzer (PBT) units for the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Tucker summarized the award and how the county plans to use it. “This year, it’s for $6,302,” the sheriff said, adding the county intends to purchase eight handheld Intoxilyzer 800 units as presumptive breath-testing devices.

Commissioners asked staff and the deputy county attorney to confirm grant terms, including language about lobbying restrictions that appear in the award packet. County staff said the county has historically used these small federal grants for equipment and training and that the awards have not previously raised compliance problems.

Commissioner Chen moved to approve the grant application and to authorize the chair to sign; Commissioner Quinn seconded the motion. The board approved the requested application and authorization by voice vote.

The devices will be used as presumptive portable breath testers; staff noted that state certification and any required monthly calibration routines for in-jail equipment differ from the portable units. Sheriff Tucker said the portable units are intended to support traffic enforcement and DUI investigations but do not replace jail certified breath-testing equipment.

The commission did not specify an implementation schedule at the meeting; staff said they would return paperwork and procurement details for signatures and purchase processing.

Action: motion approved; chair authorized to sign the grant application.