Uintah County is moving toward a sobriety program option for DUI drivers. Sheriff Steve Labrum presented the option to the Uintah County Commissioners during a Commission meeting this month, seeking approval of a cooperative agreement between the Department of Public Safety and the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office. The 24/7 sobriety program was approved with House Bill 26 during the 2021 legislature and provides an alternative to suspending licenses which often leads to more problems. Sheriff Labrum explained that this program allows individuals to choose the program for a $30 fee paid to the State. They sign a contract and receive an ankle monitor for $10 a day. The monitor tests for alcohol twice a day and if alcohol is detected, the individual is taken to jail. The State provides the equipment and software needed and so far is seeing success. At least 8 counties are already using the program with a 97 percent success rate. Typically the individual is in the program for 6 months to a year, as determined by the judge, and while the program can be expensive it allows the individual to retain their license and maintain responsibilities. The Uintah County Commission unanimously approved the 24/7 sobriety program cooperative agreement between DPS and the Sheriff’s Office.
