Device Will Help Gauge If Coweta Students Are Using Alcohol

Coweta Public Schools has a new tool to gauge if students are using alcohol.

They'll use the handheld device this weekend at the school's prom.

The principal at Coweta High School says students using alcohol at school events has always been a concern, but she hopes a device called AlcoBlow can help put an end to the problem.

AlcoBlow is a small gadget, about the size of a flashlight.

It can detect the smell of alcohol on someone's breath or waved over a cup to see if it contains alcohol.

AlcoBlow cannot determine someone's blood alcohol content level and Coweta Police says it will only be used if the student is suspected of using alcohol.

If the alarm sounds, the police department will perform other tests on the students to see how much alcohol is in their system.

The plan is to use it at school events such as prom, as well as at athletic contests, anywhere a large amount of students gather.

The district says a student caught with alcohol during a school event can face suspension.

They want students to know that they won't hesitate to use AlcoBlow if they think alcohol is being used.

Leslie Frazier, Interim High School Principal, said she thinks it's a great idea.

"If it's the one thing that deters our students from taking that drink and coming to school or a school activity then I think it's a great use for us," Frazier said.

The device costs $325 and the police department paid for the first one.

But CPD is working with the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office to get a grant to purchase five more devices.