The Intoxilyzer 5000 is an instrument which permits a law enforcement officer to test a suspected drunk driver to determine the amount of alcohol present in that individual.

The Medical Examiner's Office began Tarrant County's Breath Alcohol Program in 1994, in conjunction with two local police departments.  Today, the program has grown to include 20 testing locations and over 250 Certified Breath Test Operators.

The program offers support at no cost to any law enforcement agency within Tarrant County.  This action has provided greater accessibility to an Intoxilyzer and has reduced the financial burden on small jurisdictions, otherwise unable to establish and maintain their own Intoxilyzer program.

Tarrant County's program is part of the statewide Breath Alcohol Testing Program, regulated by the Office of the Scientific Director, Texas Department of Public Safety.  Locally, the program is managed by three Technical Supervisors: Mark Fondren, Michelle O'Neal, and Sarah Skiles.  Each Technical Supervisor has received specialized training on the instrument, understands the physiological effects that alcohol has on the body, and how alcohol affects the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.  Together, they provide expert testimony in more than 50 criminal trials and 600 civil hearings each year.

To contact a Technical Supervisor,  click on the link below:

Email W. Mark Fondren, DFTCB

2009 Breath Test Operators Annual Renewal Information

Breath Test Operator Instructions                        Lab Exam 1