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Over 200 breathalyzers removed from service by Michigan State Police

ALPENA, Mich. — Over 200 breathalyzers have been taken out of service by the Michigan State Police. As of 7 a.m. on Jan. 16, eight instruments across eight locations experienced discrepancies, including the Alpena County Sheriff’s Department.

On January 2., during a routine audit of documents submitted by the vendor, an irregularity was noticed. Four days later, MSP confirmed it was the result of a technician fabricating paperwork, making it look like the instrument was tested, but never actually was. Since then, three more instruments have been discovered where officials believe the technician fabricated tests.

After this discovery is when the data master testing machines were taken out of service by MSP. Spokesperson for the Michigan State Police, Shanon Banner, says they are taking this matter very seriously. “We are not only conducting a criminal investigation into the actions of these two contracted employees for the vendor, but we’ll also be looking at what civil actions are available to us to recoup any costs the state bears as a result of this,” she said.

Banner added that they are advising officers to use blood tests instead of breathalyzers until they are returned to service.