BCA suspends DMT use for statewide review
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension on Friday ordered all law enforcement agencies to verify gas‑cylinder data on DataMaster (DMT) breath-testing instruments and suspended use until verification, after discovering data entry errors that could compromise test results. The BCA said it will update procedures and, effective immediately, take over all gas‑cylinder replacements and maintenance to prevent future errors.
Public Safety
Legal
📌 Key Facts
- BCA discovered incorrect gas‑cylinder information was entered into some DMT units, potentially compromising test data.
- BCA suspended DMT usage statewide until each agency verifies correct cylinder data on their instruments.
- Going forward, BCA will handle all gas‑cylinder replacements and maintenance and is updating procedures.
📚 Contextual Background
- Minnesota law classifies investigative data collected or created by a law enforcement agency to prepare a case as confidential or protected nonpublic while the investigation is active.