Johnstown schools receive funding for breathalyzers

JOHNSTOWN, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Local leaders are working to ensure upcoming celebrations such as prom, graduation and summer break happen safely. The Greater Johnstown School District is partnering with Catholic Charities to purchase two new breathalyzers for use at the high school.

A school on Long Island was the first to implement the use of breathalyzers back in 1998. But the New York State Education Department said there are regulations that schools must follow.

Students can't be tested without a justified cause, and the person administering the test must have proper training. In addition, the devices need to be recalibrated on a regular basis.

In Johnstown, the student resource officer will be the one controlling the tests. School officials said the breathalyzers will be used at the upcoming prom as well as other large events.