DWI Investigation and Reporting

Questions and Answers

To accurately identify and prosecute the impaired driver

To train officers on identifying intoxicated individuals

A disorder of the brain that produces temporary disruptions in normal brain function

A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities Signup and view all the answers

Identifying and prosecuting impaired drivers Signup and view all the answers

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

An inability to fully control motor function Signup and view all the answers

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

A non-contagious disorder Signup and view all the answers

Administer a sugar substance and convey the person to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

Staggering Signup and view all the answers

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Look for a medical alert bracelet or necklace Signup and view all the answers

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Until evidence clearly points in another direction Signup and view all the answers

A medical alert bracelet or necklace Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Law enforcement officers spend a significant amount of time identifying and arresting impaired drivers and testifying in court, requiring professionalism in identification, evidence collection, documentation, and testimony.

Recruits must complete the latest edition of the NHTSA/IACP Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) course.
Recruits must be able to distinguish between impaired drivers and individuals with disabilities, such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, or diabetes.

Disability: a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A).
Epilepsy: a disorder of the brain producing temporary disruptions in normal brain function, causing seizures, and not a mental illness.
Cerebral Palsy: a chronic condition affecting body movement and muscle coordination, caused by brain damage during fetal development or infancy.
Diabetes: a chronic auto-immune disease characterized by insulin deficiency, excess sugar in the blood and urine, and related symptoms.

Police officers must consider the possibility of a disability when faced with impaired responsiveness or behavior, especially if the person is unconscious, has slurred speech, is confused, or has impaired motor skills.

Epilepsy: manage seizures by letting the episode run its course while protecting the individual from harm.
Cerebral Palsy: may exhibit impaired gait, slurred speech, hearing or visual impairments, muscle spasms, seizures, or mental retardation.
Diabetes: symptoms of high blood glucose levels include headaches, blurry vision, and excessive thirst; low blood glucose levels can cause confusion, shakiness, and fatigue.

If a police officer encounters a person acting strangely and no alcohol is detected, they should investigate further, looking for signs of a disability, such as a medical alert bracelet or necklace.
If unsure, the officer should administer a sugar substance and convey the person to the hospital.