BROOKHAVEN — Department of Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell announced new DUI test machines will be rolled out across the state starting this week. Lincoln County has been without a DUI machine for at least two years. 

Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Rushing said on Sept. 17 they started receiving training for the new machine called the Intoxilyzer 9000 this week. At this time, there is no sure timeline for when Lincoln County will receive an Intoxilyzer 9000. Rushing said Monday there was no new update as to when they would receive one. 

Without a DUI machine, any driver arrested on suspicion of a DUi has to have a blood warrant issued and taken to Kings Daughters Medical Center for blood to be drawn. The former DUI machine was at the jail’s booking area when it still worked. 

According to the Department of Public Safety, “the Intoxilyzer 9000 is a modern infrared based breath alcohol instrument designed for mobile or stationary use and will enhance performance, accuracy, precision and interferent detection.”

82 Intoxilyzer 9000s will be ready to be deployed to agencies across Mississippi. An additional 150 units should be secured soon by DPS. 

“We are excited about this rollout and eager to get these machines to agencies across the state,” Tindell said. “As technology continues to evolve, it’s our responsibility to provide law enforcement with the most current tools to maintain and enhance public safety.”

Lincoln County Supervisors have asked Rushing if there was any update on the DUI machine in the past couple of months. 

The Department of Public Safety said it has worked on the launch of the new machines for the last few months.