Milford school officials like the results of a policy adopted two years ago that permitted them to use a Breathalyzer to test students for alcohol consumption.

Since testing was started in the fall of 2008, only one person has showed up at a school dance under the influence, and he was a 22-year-old college student, officials said in a New Haven Register report.

During the school day itself, a total of nine students had tested positive for alcohol at either Foran or Law high schools.

Law Principal Janet Garagliano said students had surprised school authorities by actually welcoming the testing at dances.

“They know they will be safe,” she said. “It totally changes the tone of events.”

The policy does not call for testing at athletic events.

Alcohol testing also is being introduced in the Lyme-Old Lyme school district.

According to a New London Day report, the policy permits testing during the school day or at school sponsored events if there is a reasonable suspicion the student has consumed alcohol.

The policy calls for two types instruments to be used. One is the Breathalyzer that can measure the alcohol content on someone’s breath. The other less familiar instrument is a passive alcohol sensor, or PAS, that gives a positive or negative reading.

A PAS can “sniff” ambient air for the presence of alcohol and does not need to be applied directly to an individual.