Louder Calls For Changes in Public Intoxication

It seems the debate over public intoxication just will not go away and for good reason. Even police admit it is a subjective charge. An officer must think that a person is drunk and poses a danger to himself/herself or others. The officer normally uses a kind of checklist to make the determination. You know the bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, etc.

The problem is: many of the people who are being arrested say they haven't had anything or at least very little to drink. People who aren't drunk are being busted and sent to the drunk tank, which can not be a pleasant experience. The Class C misdemeanor charge can also be expensive and embarassing. 

Dallas Police say they are going to change the way they do business. The department is giving officers a little more room to expand the narrative on the arrest report. Critics however want more. Some want to see field sobriety tests or even breathlizers used on PI suspects. It may be a long shot, but at least a department is considering it. Be sure to check out my story at the33tv.com. You will see an interview with a 22-year old who was maced and arrested all because he went out to dinner with friends.