West Virginia University - News and Information Services
WVU Public Safety, Bartlett House partner on sobriety project
West Virginia University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently loaned a preliminary breath tester (PBT) to Bartlett House, Inc. for the shelter’s Public Inebriate Shelter Program.
The machine is used to help determine the concentration of alcohol in a person’s blood. If it’s determined to be at a high intoxication level, individuals are provided a comfortable place to stay until their blood alcohol content reaches a safe level, and a sober friend or family member picks them up.
It also gives police an alternative to putting non-violent intoxicated individuals in jail or dropping them off at a local hospital, officials say.
Last year, the program - which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- assisted more than 500 individuals.
Several area police departments participate in the program, including WVU, Morgantown, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department and West Virginia State Police.
The machine will be on loan to Bartlett House as long as DPS is involved in the joint project, said Bob Roberts, University police chief.
“We function as a team and work together for the good of the community,” said Roberts of the equipment loan.
One of the breath testers Bartlett House was using dated back to the beginning of the PI program in 1999, and was difficult to calibrate. Lt. Ed White and other members of the DPS night shift noticed the problem and proposed loaning a newer, more accurate breath tester to the local shelter, Roberts said.
Having an accurate breath tester is critical for the program, said Bartlett House director Keri DeMasi.
“The PBT is a very expensive piece of equipment,” said DeMasi, noting such machines often cost more than $800. “This kind of equipment is very difficult for a non-profit organization to provide. What DPS is doing is very appreciated.”
The program also benefits law enforcement because officers don’t have to spend extra time processing people for the regional jail, she said.
“The University works well with Bartlett House,” DeMasi said. “It’s a strong partnership, a great collaboration. Everybody involved benefits.”
Bartlett House, located on University Avenue in downtown Morgantown, is a non-profit organization that provides shelter for the homeless and those needing temporary shelter.
Those participating in the PI program are also monitored for blood pressure, pulse and other vital signs.
The program receives funding from the City of Morgantown, Monongalia County and the state Bureau for Health and Health Facilities.
For more information, contact DPS, 304-293-3136.
University Police
Office: (304) 293-3136