Project description
The Missouri Safety Center (MSC) will conduct a survey, via mail, with law enforcement throughout the state to gain feedback regarding several areas of development of a law enforcement phlebotomy program (LEPP). Through collaborations with local and state agencies this project seeks to identify challenges organizations throughout the state have encountered regarding blood draws, utilizing outside entities, as well as, finding local medical facilities that can assist law enforcement.
A select few agencies have been able to establish a successful LEPP which will provide information on the benefits of those programs and assist with developing best-practices for implementation of an LEPP in Missouri. Further, by meeting with at least 4 community law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders (prosecutors, judges, medical personnel, etc.) we will identify agencies that show a need for an LEPP.
Through the survey and during these meetings, we will identify challenges facing these agencies: difficulty obtaining warrants and why; issues with getting blood drawn at local hospitals; contracting issues with external entities; 4th Amendment Rights Issues; opposition to an LEPP; and insight into a possible hybrid program. Once all data is compiled, we will develop a project plan for an LEPP based on research results. This data will include targeted medical requirements, activities for training, requirements for certification, implementation of a statewide program, creation of an LEPP governing board/council, and other needs utilizing the NHTSA Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Toolkit.
The outcome of this research project will help the state identify the best movement forward for a Phlebotomy program in Missouri and will engage stakeholders in different areas regarding the above research activities.
