While working with the Indiana State Police, Borkenstein developed a close professional relationship with Professor Rolla N. Hager of the Indiana School of Medicine. Hager was working to develop the Drunkometer, which would be the first practical instrument of breath alcohol analysis developed in 1938. However the Drunkometer was complicated and had low reliability, so Borkenstein decided to continue to work and develop a more reliable device. In 1954 Borkenstein created what is commonly known as the Breathalyzer. This version was a more compact, and easier to operate breath test machine, which produced reliable results concerning blood alcohol content. A revolutionary invention that aided the ability of traffic enforcement officials’ to identify and prosecute drivers under the influence of alcohol. The breathalyzer was commercially produced and adopted in law enforcement agencies throughout the country and world.
