King County Sheriffs Office launching in-house blood draw program for DUI cases - The B-Town (Burien) Blog

The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is introducing a new Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Program (LEPP) aimed at enhancing DUI investigations by enabling trained deputies to perform blood draws on-site. This initiative is crucial for reducing the delays that often occur when officers must transport suspects to medical facilities, which can take several hours. Captain Jonathan Youngblood emphasized that the new program allows arresting officers to continue their paperwork while a phlebotomist completes the blood draw, thus improving overall efficiency. Developed in collaboration with Shoreline Community College, the program has certified 14 deputies as Washington State Medical Assistant-Phlebotomists. These deputies will have the authority to conduct blood draws at designated law enforcement facilities, streamlining the process for impaired driving cases.

The KCSO contracts its services to Burien and 14 other jurisdictions, making this program particularly relevant for local law enforcement. The initiative is expected to launch in about a month, pending final state certification. This innovative approach reflects a broader trend in law enforcement to enhance operational efficiency and improve public safety.