16 Questions
What is the primary goal of the law enforcement officer in identifying an impaired driver?
To accurately identify and prosecute the impaired driver
What is the name of the course developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)?
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) course
According to the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), what is a disability?
A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities
What is epilepsy, according to the provided text?
A disorder of the brain that produces temporary disruptions in normal brain function
What is the primary difference between an impaired driver and a disabled or distressed person?
The physical or mental characteristics of the individual
What is the estimated time required to complete the DWI Investigation and Reporting course?
24 hours
What is the primary cause of Cerebral Palsy?
Damage to one or more specific areas of the brain during fetal development
Why is it important for police officers to consider the possibility of a disability when faced with impaired responsiveness or behavior?
To avoid violating the Americans with Disabilities Act
What is a characteristic of Epilepsy?
It is not contagious or dangerous to others
What may appear to an officer encountering a person with Cerebral Palsy?
Impaired gait/mobility, slurred speech, and muscle spasms
What is the primary symptom of high blood glucose levels?
Headaches, blurry vision, and excessive thirst
What should a police officer do if they encounter a person with known diabetes and are unsure whether they are suffering from low or high blood sugar?
Administer a sugar substance and call for an ambulance
What should a police officer do if they encounter a person acting in a strange manner and no alcohol is detected on the breath?
Conduct a preliminary investigation to determine the cause of the behavior
What is an indicator of a possible disability?
The presence of a Medical Alert Bracelet
What three disabilities might a police officer encounter during a traffic investigation that could lead them to believe alcohol may have been involved?
Diabetes, Epilepsy, and Cerebral Palsy
What is a common misconception about Epilepsy?
It is contagious
Study Notes
DWI Investigation and Reporting
- Law enforcement officers spend a significant amount of time identifying and arresting impaired drivers, and subsequently testifying in court.
- To accurately identify and prosecute impaired drivers, officers must be able to distinguish between the characteristics of intoxicated individuals and those with disabilities.
Disabilities and Impairments
- Disability: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities, as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A).
- Epilepsy: a disorder of the brain that produces temporary disruptions in normal brain function, characterized by seizures, also referred to as seizure disorder.
- Cerebral Palsy: a chronic condition affecting body movement and muscle coordination, caused by damage to specific areas of the brain during fetal development or infancy.
- Diabetes: a chronic auto-immune disease characterized by insulin deficiency, excess sugar in the blood and urine, weakness, and emaciation.
Identifying Disabilities vs. Impaired Responsiveness
- A person who is unconscious, has slurred speech, is confused, or has impaired motor skills may be suffering from a disability rather than impairment due to alcohol.
- Police officers should consider the possibility of a disability when faced with impaired responsiveness or behavior that doesn't make sense.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discriminatory treatment of people with all types of disabilities.
Managing Disabilities
- Epilepsy: management of a seizure involves letting the episode run its course while protecting the individual from harm.
- Cerebral Palsy: characteristics may include impaired gait, slurred speech, hearing or visual impairments, muscle spasms, seizures, and mental retardation.
- Diabetes: symptoms of high blood glucose levels include headaches, blurry vision, excessive thirst, and dry skin, while symptoms of low blood glucose levels include confusion, shakiness, fatigue, and unconsciousness.
Investigating Suspected Disabilities
- If a police officer encounters a person acting strangely and no alcohol is detected, they should conduct a preliminary investigation to rule out a disability.
- The presence of a medical alert bracelet or necklace, questioning witnesses, and observing incontinence or a blank stare can indicate a possible disability.
- If a seizure-like episode is encountered, it should be handled as a seizure until evidence clearly points in another direction.
Learn about the procedures and best practices for law enforcement officers to identify and handle DWI cases, including evidence collection, documentation, and courtroom testimony.
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