THAT FLASHLIGHT IN YOUR FACE JUST MIGHT BE PROVING YOU WERE DRINKING

ROSEBURG, Ore. (AP) -- Hey kids! That flashlight in your face just might be
telling the cop breaking up your party whether you were drinking beer.

A new tool being used by Douglas County sheriff's deputies can sense the
presence of alcohol on someone's breath, as well as throw a beam of light.

The flashlights have helped rack up 44 citations in the Roseburg area for
underage drinking since June 1, deputies said.

"Sometimes when talking to some of the kids, you really can't tell if
they've only had one or two beers," said Douglas County Sheriff's Sgt. Dan
Hoy. "This device allows for us to see if they have been drinking or not."

The flashlight sensors aren't accurate enough to use as evidence to
prosecute a drunken driving case, where the amount of alcohol someone has
consumed is critical.

Because it is new technology, juvenile officers are uncertain how it will
hold up in court. Juvenile department director Vic Falgout said officers
generally look for additional evidence, such as a can of beer or the smell
of alcohol on the breath.