This past Halloween weekend, Houston law enforcement agencies began using a new combination mobile DUI-testing lab and holding cell. Better know as the “Batmobile,” this Mobile Command Station is outfitted with blood and breath analysis equipment, as well as means for arresting officers to electronically process any related paperwork.

“This will enable us to take the legal process to the drunken drivers, instead of having the drunks brought to us,” said Warren Diepraam, chief of the Harris County DA’s Vehicular Crimes Section.

“Benefits extend beyond removing dangerous drivers from the streets. Speeding up the process and reducing suspect transit times results in better, more readily available evidence. It can quickly exonerate the innocent, or secure convictions against intoxicated motorists,” continued Diepraam in a press release issued October 30th.

The heavily modified transporter was paid for by the District Attorney’s office using Asset Forfeiture funds, and is manned by the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. Other local enforcement agencies will also however be able to use the station for testing and processing purposes.

With only a single unit currently in use, Houston motorists stopped for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence are unlikely to find themselves inside the “Batmobile” just yet. The choice of Halloween weekend does however send a strong psychological message to area residents. And if these initial tests are successful, I would expect to see more of these vehicles on the streets very soon.

Neither the Georgia State Patrol nor any local police departments have announced that anything like the “Batmobile” is planned for Georgia, but you can be sure that Georgia authorities will be keeping a close eye on what their colleagues in Texas are doing.