San Diego, CA, December 24, 2025
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Regional Crime Laboratory has secured a $585,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to enhance efforts against impaired driving. This funding will support the hiring of two toxicology criminalists specializing in the analysis of alcohol and drugs, as well as improve forensic alcohol testing operations and training. The initiative comes amidst troubling statistics that show over 75% of tested DUI blood samples contained at least one drug.
San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Lab Receives $585,000 Grant to Combat Impaired Driving
San Diego, CA – The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office Regional Crime Laboratory has been awarded a $585,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to enhance efforts against impaired driving. This funding, provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is allocated through September 2026.
Grant Details and Utilization
The grant will finance two full-time toxicology criminalists specializing in analyzing biological samples for alcohol and drugs. Their work is crucial in prosecuting Driving Under the Influence (DUI) cases. Additionally, the funds will support the maintenance and expansion of forensic alcohol testing operations, as well as training on testing methods and result interpretation.
Current Impaired Driving Statistics
Between January and September 2025, over 75% of blood samples tested for drugs contained at least one substance. The most frequently detected drugs in DUI drivers were marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax, and fentanyl. The Crime Lab also observed a significant rise in requests to test for inhalant substances, including nitrous oxide (commonly known as “whippets”) and compressed air products like “dust-off.”
Background on the Crime Lab’s Role
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Crime Lab provides forensic science services to more than 30 law enforcement agencies across San Diego County, processing over 7,000 traffic safety cases annually. This grant is part of a broader initiative by the California Office of Traffic Safety to support local agencies in combating impaired driving and enhancing road safety.
Related Statewide Efforts
In July 2024, the California Highway Patrol announced over $25 million in grant funding to 102 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. These grants aim to enhance traffic safety through education, prevention, and enforcement programs.
Conclusion
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Crime Lab’s receipt of this grant underscores a continued commitment to improving forensic toxicology services and combating impaired driving, contributing to safer roadways in San Diego County and across California.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the $585,000 grant awarded to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Crime Lab?
The grant aims to enhance efforts against impaired driving by funding two full-time toxicology criminalists specializing in analyzing biological samples for alcohol and drugs, supporting forensic alcohol testing operations, and providing training on testing methods and result interpretation.
Which substances were most commonly detected in DUI drivers according to the Crime Lab’s findings?
The most frequently detected substances in DUI drivers were marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax, and fentanyl.
How many traffic safety cases does the San Diego County Sheriff’s Crime Lab process annually?
The Crime Lab processes over 7,000 traffic safety cases each year.
What is the broader initiative by the California Office of Traffic Safety regarding impaired driving?
The California Office of Traffic Safety has awarded over $25 million in grants to 102 California law enforcement agencies, crime laboratories, local government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to address the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, aiming to enhance traffic safety through education, prevention, and enforcement programs.
Key Features of the San Diego Sheriff’s Crime Lab’s Grant
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Amount | $585,000 |
| Funding Source | California Office of Traffic Safety, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| Grant Period | Through September 2026 |
| Grant Utilization | Funding two full-time toxicology criminalists, supporting forensic alcohol testing operations, and providing training on testing methods and result interpretation |
| Substances Detected in DUI Drivers | Marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax, fentanyl |
| Annual Traffic Safety Cases Processed | Over 7,000 |
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