Law Enforcement Uses BAT Mobile for Drunk Drivers

TULSA - While it may not look like the Bat mobile, it shares the same name. But this one stands for Breath Alcohol Testing. Like the comic book vehicle, it is also used to get criminals off the streets.

"They can basically take their arrestee there, detain them, give them breath tests, do all the paperwork, and later on we can get them all transported all at once," says officer Craig Murray with Tulsa Police.

It's one of many tools in their arsenal against drunk driving. The 370 thousand dollar unit is being borrowed from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Officers say the BAT mobile is great because they don't have to leave their post. Officials say in the 6 months it's been around, the BAT mobile has proven to be extremely helpful.

It's part of the idea to blanket the county with law enforcement. Saturday evening Tulsa Police, Tulsa County Sheriff, Broken Arrow Police, and Oklahoma Highway Patrol gathered together to join forces for that one goal.

Some of the hot spots within the city being focused on include Brookside, Cherry Street, and the 61st and Sheridan area among others. They will also be patrolling by air if needed. Since being grounded, this is the first time Tulsa Police's helicopters are back in use for a DUI patrol.

"There are times obviously when people attempt to run from the police, and the helicopter can assist with that, obviously make it a little safer for the officers," says helicopter pilot Byron Barnhart.

Officials say over the last year there's been an average of 120 to 130 DUI arrests each month.