Robert F. Borkenstein worked in various capacities with the Indiana State Police in collaboration with Indiana University before retiring in 1958 and coming to IU full time, serving as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Police Administration until his retirement in 1987. He played a major role in developing the department, which was renamed the Department of Forensic Studies in 1970 and again renamed the Department of Criminal Justice in 1985. Borkenstein was a prolific figure in the fields of forensic science and traffic safety; he is well known for inventing the Breathalyzer in 1954 and for research efforts into blood alcohol concentration through the Grand Rapids Study in the 1960s. This collection consists of biographical documents, research and professional materials, instruments, and subject files. Included are files and instruments related to Borkenstein's research and development of several of his breath test inventions, including the Breathalyzer.
