In this episode of the Driving Change podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with a distinguished game-changer in the field of law enforcement: Sergeant Ryan Hulling of the Austin Police Department. Sgt. Ryan Huling has been at the forefront of pioneering strategies in DWI enforcement, contributing significantly through initiatives like Austin’s 365 No Refusal Initiative. However, the focal point of our conversation was the groundbreaking Qualified Technician Program.
Sergeant Huling shares how Austin officers are now trained to safely and legally draw blood from DWI suspects—a role traditionally handled by EMS. This shift has:
- Improved efficiency in evidence collection
- Reduced strain on EMS resources
- Enhanced courtroom readiness with officers who are also Drug Recognition Experts
Backed by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and built on proven training models, the QT Program is a powerful example of innovation meeting public safety.
Tune in to hear how Austin PD is driving change—one blood draw at a time.
