The coronavirus has caused the world to change significantly. In
the world of criminal law, we have already seen courts being shut
down, hearings run by video or telephone conferencing, and all
non-essential persons refused entry to court precincts.
In addition, there have been rumours that police will no longer
conduct random breath testing (RBT). I use the word
'rumours', as at this stage I have seen no official
direction in relation to it.
The justification seems to be in relation to the occupational
health and safety issue faced by police officers, in using the
handheld breathalysing machines which require saliva and/or close
proximity breath samples. Similarly, when using a drug testing kit,
a sample of saliva is also required. By stopping this testing, it
would reduce the exposure our police officers face on a day to day
operational basis.
