Pupillography for Drug Impairment Assessment: Police Acceptability Study: Technical Report

The findings of this study suggest a nuanced level of acceptance of the AMTech F3D PLR as a drug impairment detection device at Victoria Police. At the individual level, members are generally receptive to the AMTech F3D PLR, with training and exposure increasing confidence.

However, acceptance is conditional on the device being reliable, user-friendly, and capable of withstanding operational demands. At the organisational level, acceptance is less certain, constrained by concerns about integration, training, resourcing, and sustainability. Structural and legislative barriers remain obstacles, requiring reform before the AMTech F3D PLR could be meaningfully incorporated into existing Victoria Police enforcement processes and
procedures. Public acceptance adds another dimension, with fairness and transparency essential for device legitimacy. Despite these barriers, the AMTech F3D PLR holds promise as a tool that could expand the capability of less experienced officers, increase the detection of drug-related impairment, and contribute to improved road safety outcomes. The ultimate success of the device will depend on balancing these individual-level benefits with organisational and structural challenges, supported by clear legislation, sustainable resourcing, and effective public engagement. Future avenues of research could focus on any changes to acceptability following implementation of the changes to the current DIA process at Victoria Police.