Police drug tests verify the sobriety status of drivers in a very short time and with high efficiency. The selection of the right equipment and its proper use are key to increasing road safety, as well as public safety. Find out about the best models and how police drug tests work.
Drivers on drugs. Shocking statistics.
Drunk drivers, unfortunately, are part of the anti-heroes of news services. Drink driving is one of the most serious problems on the roads. Whether the pirate causes the accident or manages to prevent it in time – every case of such irresponsibility is heavily stigmatised.
Offenders who do not spill on their collar are now even threatened with car confiscation.
There is far less talk of drivers under the influence of drugs. They pose just as high a danger and their numbers are increasing year on year. According to information provided by the ONS, in 2022, there were 2260 people arrested for driving while intoxicated with prohibited substances. In contrast, 1,460 such cases were recorded in 2018.
How do police drug tests work?
Police drug tests aim to efficiently and, above all, effectively detect illicit substances in the body of the person being tested. Samples are usually taken from saliva, urine, blood or hair.
There are also advanced models that detect trace amounts of drug vapour or offer laser scanning using Raman spectrometry. However, their purpose is to block contraband, not to verify the concentration of stimulants in the body.
The compounds contained in the device react with samples from the body. Test results are usually known after a few minutes.
Police drug tests detect substances such as:
- cannabis,
- hashish,
- methamphetamine,
- amphetamine,
- morphine,
- heroin,
- cocaine,
- MDMA.
Most models offer a far wider range of recognised drugs.
Types of police drug tests
There are 4 most common types of instruments for verifying the presence of illicit substances in the body.
Saliva drug test
By far the most common is the police saliva drug test. In its favour is the wide range of drugs detected, as well as the convenience of performance. However, such an option will not be able to indicate the exact concentration in the body.
However, this does not mean that the results will be wrong. The single-use drug test for saliva samples is 99% effective. It can detect drug residues up to several days after use. In addition, it guarantees rapid testing.
Blood drug test
This form surpasses all others in its effectiveness. It is infallible and, in addition, indicates the residues of intoxicating substances even several months after use. The downside is the long wait for the result – the test is based on the determination of antibodies, which take time to form. The result is known after three days at the latest.
Urine drug test
One of the easiest ways to detect drugs in the body is the urine drug test. If there is a positive result, the sample taken causes a colour change on the test strip.
This type of method is both quick and effective.
The hair drug test
The hair drug test is one of the most accurate ways of detecting intoxicating substances. Just a single hair of 3 cm will be able to indicate whether a person has used stimulants in the past 100 days.
This is made possible by analysing the biomaterial accumulated in the element.
When do the police do a drug test? Legislation
The police have every right to carry out a drug test. They may carry it out if there are reasonable suspicions about the state of sobriety of the person stopped. This applies to both roadside checks and routine field intervention.
Amongst other things, suspicious behaviour, changes in appearance or physical signs of drug use may give rise to doubts.
How do the police do a drug test? Uniformed officers report their presumptions. The person being verified must voluntarily submit to the check – otherwise they may face a fine or even detention.
Police drug tests go into action mostly at the scene. Officers are usually equipped with saliva and urine testers. However, if they do not have a single one with them, they can call in a better-equipped patrol to assist.
The best police drug tests on the market. Professional models
Police drug tests are high-tech professional devices. Here are the models chosen by police units and recommended by Detective Store experts.
Armas UTC drug tester with mobile printer
Armas UTC is a professional police saliva drug tester. It offers convenient labelling of samples with the data of the person being tested, and the included printer allows the results to be transferred to paper.
Immediate results, convenient collection and high efficiency in detecting 7 different types of drugs make this device ideal for roadside checks, in schools, for testing or in the workplace.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- detects 7 types of drugs
- rechargeable battery for more than 100 measurements
AquilaScan WDTP-10 analyser
Internal memory allowing a history of 100,000 tests, detection of dozens of drug types from saliva, simple operation and a waiting time of approximately 8 minutes. This is how the AquilaScan WDTP-10 Analyser can be described in a nutshell.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Detects most drugs
- Touch screen 4.3"
Dräger DrugTest 5000 drug analyser
The Dräger DrugTest 5000 is a technologically advanced drug analyser. For its correct operation it is necessary to use special test cassettes, ensuring maximum test safety. In addition, they guarantee a completely reliable result.
The results, indicating the detected substance, can be checked on the easy-to-read LCD screen. They are known within minutes. The device recognises a wide range of prohibited substances.
People have bought in the last 48h!
- Safe sample collection
- Intuitive operation of the saliva tester Saliva tester Dräger DrugTest 5000
Police drug tests – FAQ
Are you interested in the topic of police drug tests or are you planning to buy one? Find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
When do the police do a drug test?
The police can perform a drug test as soon as they consider a person to be suspicious. If a detainee behaves in an unnatural way and shows signs of being under the influence of stimulants, officers have the right to test immediately.
Can I refuse a drug test?
Refusing a drug test by the police can result in a fine or even detention. You must comply with the officers’ instructions.
Police drug tests what do they detect?
Police drug tests detect a wide range of prohibited drugs. These include amphetamine, cocaine, MDMA, hashish, cannabis or codeine.
What detection times do police drug tests have?
The detection time for stimulants by police drug tests depends on the sample taken. Saliva drug tests show results after a few minutes, as does a urine testing device. In contrast, you have to wait up to several days for results from blood.