DUI and Officer Training

DUI and Officer Training

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious issue that affects countless lives each year. As the first responders to DUI incidents, police officers have an incredibly important job in detecting and investigating impaired drivers. Proper training is essential for officers to accurately assess impairment, conduct field sobriety tests, and build DUI cases that will hold up in court. This article will examine key aspects of DUI enforcement training for police officers.

Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

The most common training program for DUI enforcement is the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) course developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) [6]. This includes a battery of three tests administered roadside to assess impairment:

• Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) – involuntary jerking of the eyes as they gaze to the side
• Walk-and-Turn – walking heel-to-toe in a straight line
• One-Leg Stand – standing on one leg while counting out loud

Through the SFST course, officers learn how to properly conduct each test and look for specific clues indicating intoxication. Research has shown the SFST battery to be extremely accurate in detecting blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08 when properly administered[6]. However, the tests do have limitations – for example, subjects with injuries or medical conditions may show impairment without being under the influence. Training focuses on reducing false positives while maintaining sensitivity to true impairment.

Vehicle in Motion Observations

Before even interacting with a driver, officers are trained to detect signs of DUI from how vehicles are being operated on the roadway[1][2]. Important clues taught in training include:

• Weaving – crossing lane lines or drifting within a lane
• Varying speed – alternating between speeding up and slowing down
• Delayed response – slow reaction times to traffic signals or other cars
• Wide turns – turning widely instead of pivoting
• Braking problems – stopping too far into intersections or braking erratically

These types of vehicle in motion behaviors provide reasonable suspicion to conduct a traffic stop and begin a DUI investigation. Officers learn to articulate specific observed behaviors when documenting their reasonable suspicion.

Driver Interaction and Interview

Once a vehicle is stopped, officers are trained to engage with drivers face-to-face to observe their demeanor, behavior, and any physical signs of intoxication. This includes examining eyes for bloodshot appearance, glassy look, and ability to focus; smelling for alcohol on the breath; and listening for slurred speech[2]. Officers also learn interview tactics to ask probing questions that may reveal evidence of impairment, such as:

• Where are you coming from?
• Have you had anything to drink tonight?
• What time did you have your last drink?
• Where are you heading to?

Evasive answers or an admission to drinking alcohol helps provide probable cause for arrest. However, officers must be careful not to violate rights by extending investigations beyond their lawful scope.

Evidence Collection and Processing

Following arrest, officers undergo training on collecting and processing evidence to support DUI charges, including[3]:

• Breath Testing – administering breathalyzer tests to measure BAC
• Blood Draws – obtaining warrants and samples of blood for precise BAC analysis
• Booking – recording observations, collecting fingerprints, photographs
• Vehicle Inventories – thoroughly searching vehicles and documenting evidence

Maintaining the chain of custody and following proper protocols is critical to ensure the admissibility of evidence. Officers also learn how to operate equipment like breathalyzers and accurately collect samples.

Report Writing

Comprehensive report writing is another essential area trained for DUI enforcement. Reports must clearly document[4]:

• Reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop
• Observations of impairment from the driver interview
• Performance on field sobriety tests
• All efforts to collect evidence and establish intoxication

Officers are taught how to vividly capture details, accurately quote dialogue, and avoid vague or conclusory statements. The goal is to produce professional reports that will withstand legal scrutiny in court.

Courtroom Testimony

Presenting evidence and testifying convincingly in court is one of the most challenging aspects of DUI enforcement. Officers receive preparation on[4]:

• Organizing testimony and using reports to refresh recollection
• Maintaining composure under cross-examination
• Avoiding legal traps like speculation or hearsay
• Responding appropriately to objections
• Dressing and acting professionally

While an arrest may be valid, the case can still be lost in court if an officer comes across as uncertain, disorganized, or incompetent. Training aims to develop confident, credible witnesses.

Advanced and Specialized Training

In addition to basic training, many officers go on to receive advanced DUI instruction through courses like[4]:

• ARIDE – Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement
• DRE – Drug Recognition Expert
• SFST Instructor – Certification to teach SFST
• BAC Instructor – Certification to teach about breath testing

These provide more in-depth knowledge on topics like drug impairment, toxicology, and instructing other officers. Specialized training allows agencies to have experts supporting their DUI enforcement efforts.

Continuing Education

Given the complex and evolving nature of DUI enforcement, ongoing continuing education is essential for officers. Many agencies provide regular updated training on[5]:

• Changes in DUI laws and regulations
• New court rulings related to DUI stops, testing, and evidence
• Emerging trends in impaired driving
• Best practices in report writing, testimony, and new technology

Continuing education ensures officers stay current on legal procedures and improves the effectiveness of enforcement efforts.

Conclusion

Preventing impaired driving requires extensive skills and knowledge across multiple disciplines – from initial roadside investigation through courtroom advocacy. Comprehensive training covering areas like standardized testing, evidence collection, report writing, and testimony prepares officers to take on this tremendous responsibility. Combining quality instruction with hands-on experience under supervision allows officers to gain proficiency and confidence. DUI enforcement is challenging work, but proper training gives officers the tools they need to protect the public from this dangerous threat.

References

[1] DWI investigations: Officers can enhance their interdiction skills starting with ‘vehicle in motion’ observations

[2] DUI Training – The Drunk Driver

[3] DUI Training Articles

[4] Training the Future Leaders in Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Enforcement: The University of Maryland’s DUI Institute

[5] Officer Education, the Weapon Against Impaired Driving

[6] How Are Cops Trained in DUI Detection?