Florida Law Enforcement: Identifying Impaired Drivers

Questions and Answers

What is the last phase of the DUI investigation process?

Personal contact

Vehicle in motion

Arrest

Pre-arrest screening (correct)

What may prevent an officer from observing the driver operating the vehicle?

The driver is asleep behind the wheel

The driver is involved in a traffic crash

The driver requests motorist assistance

All of the above (correct)

What is essential for officers to be successful in the DUI detection process?

Knowing what to look, listen, and smell for (correct)

Having a breathalyzer

Having a backup officer

Conducting a field sobriety test

When does the DUI detection process begin?

When the officer suspects the driver is impaired Signup and view all the answers

What may prevent an officer from conducting the SFSTs on a driver?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is essential for officers to do at the conclusion of each phase of the DUI detection process?

Decide whether to continue to the next phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the first phase of the DUI investigation process?

Vehicle in motion Signup and view all the answers

What is a key skill for officers to be successful in the DUI detection process?

Ability to ask the right kinds of questions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following visual cues can indicate a vigilance problem?

Failing to signal a lane change Signup and view all the answers

Which of these behaviors is a sign of potential impairment?

Making an improper turn Signup and view all the answers

What behavior is NOT a sign of a possible speed and braking problem?

Turning with a wide radius Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an indicator of a lane position problem?

Driving in opposing lanes Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is a possible sign of judgment problems?

Following too closely Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indicator of a medical emergency?

Stopping in the lane for no apparent reason Signup and view all the answers

Which of these behaviors can be a sign of a vehicle problem?

Stopping too short Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT an example of a vigilance problem?

Driving off the roadway Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of safety during a DUI traffic stop?

Officer and driver safety Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior might indicate impairment when a driver is exiting their vehicle?

Climbing out of the vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What does the SFST stand for?

Standardized Field Sobriety Test Signup and view all the answers

Which test is NOT part of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests?

Hand-eye coordination test Signup and view all the answers

What does the horizontal gaze nystagmus test measure?

Involuntary jerking of the eyes Signup and view all the answers

During the DUI investigation, what role does the SFST play?

To develop probable cause for arrest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions might suggest a driver is under the influence?

Leaving the vehicle in gear Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of psycho-physical tests in the DUI investigation?

To assess mental and physical task performance Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum time a stimulus should be held in front of the driver's eye to check for nystagmus?

4 seconds Signup and view all the answers

When assessing for the onset of nystagmus, what is the critical angle to observe during the procedure?

45° Signup and view all the answers

What observation indicates that nystagmus is sustained?

The eye jerks for more than 4 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What signifies that a driver may have an alcohol concentration above 0.08 during the nystagmus test?

Nystagmus observed before 45° Signup and view all the answers

When checking for vertical gaze nystagmus, where should the stimulus be held in relation to the driver's eyes?

Slightly above eye level Signup and view all the answers

What is the appropriate method for moving the stimulus when checking for nystagmus?

Slowly, over a minimum of four seconds Signup and view all the answers

How should you conduct two passes when checking for nystagmus?

Start at 0° with the left eye, then the right Signup and view all the answers

What should be noted if a slight jerking of the eye occurs during the test?

It may be normal and not a sign of impairment Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of drivers can be accurately classified as having an alcohol concentration above 0.08 by observing two or more clues?

79% Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT mentioned as potentially interfering with the performance of the walk-and-turn test?

Tiredness Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a driver is unable to safely complete the walk-and-turn test?

Stop the test and document the reason. Signup and view all the answers

During the one-leg stand test, which stage comes first?

Instructions stage Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a valid instruction for the driver during the instructions stage of the one-leg stand test?

Stand with your feet together and arms at your side. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is mentioned as a possible limitation for drivers during the one-leg stand test?

Back, leg, or inner ear problems Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if the driver feels their shoes would hinder their performance in the one-leg stand test?

Allow them to remove their shoes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended surface for conducting the one-leg stand test?

A stable, level, and non-slippery surface Signup and view all the answers

What is a major cause of traffic fatalities in the United States?

Impaired driving Signup and view all the answers

Why are impaired drivers more likely to take excessive risks?

Because they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol Signup and view all the answers

What is an important part of providing public safety?

Detecting and removing impaired drivers Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of educating the community about DUI?

To reduce the number of impaired drivers Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a legal penalty for a DUI conviction?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Why is deterrence an important part of the solution to impaired driving?

Because it reduces the number of impaired drivers Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of law enforcement in reducing impaired driving?

Both enforcing DUI laws and educating the community Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of the partnership between the public and law enforcement?

To reduce the number of impaired drivers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a clear and comprehensive DUI arrest report?

To recall details and present them through accurate testimony in court. Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential element to include in a DUI arrest report?

The officer followed lawful arrest procedures. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended structure for organizing a DUI arrest report?

Chronological order from start to end. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of including the subsequent observation and interview in a DUI arrest report?

To provide additional evidence of the accused's impairment. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of a DUI arrest report?

Presenting the complete sequence of events from start to end. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to include the officer's lawful request for the accused to submit to a test in the DUI arrest report?

To show that the officer followed lawful procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What should the DUI narrative in the report focus on?

The complete sequence of events from start to end. Signup and view all the answers

What is the benefit of a clear and comprehensive DUI arrest report?

It allows for accurate recall and presentation of details through direct testimony in court. Signup and view all the answers

During the HGN test, what is the recommended distance to hold the stimulus from the driver's nose?

12-15 inches Signup and view all the answers

When administering the HGN test, what should the officer do if the driver is wearing glasses?

Instruct the driver to remove their glasses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of checking for resting nystagmus during the HGN test?

To establish a baseline for comparing eye movement during the test. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended position of the stimulus in relation to the driver's eye level during the HGN test?

Slightly above eye level Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a recommended stimulus for the HGN test?

A flashlight Signup and view all the answers

Why should the officer keep their weapon side away from the driver during the HGN test?

To ensure officer safety. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of equal tracking during the HGN test?

It assesses the driver's eye muscle function. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a valid instruction for the driver during the HGN test?

Close your eyes and follow the object with your mind. Signup and view all the answers

What should an officer do if a medical condition is suspected to be impairing a driver's ability to drive?

Call EMS for assistance Signup and view all the answers

Under Florida law, what constitutes driving under the influence (DUI)?

Driving while impaired by alcohol or substances Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a normal faculty that can be impaired?

Playing sports Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that a driver may be experiencing high or low blood sugar levels?

Erratic driving behavior Signup and view all the answers

If a driver under the age of 21 shows signs of impairment, what should an officer prioritize?

Evaluating the odor of an alcoholic beverage Signup and view all the answers

Which type of disabilities may require a special designation on a driver's license?

Hearing impairment and development disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken if a driver does not appear to be having medical issues but shows signs of impairment?

Continue with the DUI investigation Signup and view all the answers

What role does sound judgment play in distinguishing between a disabled driver and a driver under the influence?

It assists in distinguishing behavior patterns Signup and view all the answers

What is the first task of phase two during a DUI investigation?

Observe and talk with the driver Signup and view all the answers

Which actions may indicate that a driver is impaired during phase two?

Slurred speech and difficulty responding Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of gathering evidence in phase two of the DUI detection process?

To determine whether to administer SFSTs Signup and view all the answers

What should officers primarily rely on when observing the driver for signs of impairment?

Senses such as sight and smell Signup and view all the answers

Why might an officer decide not to conduct the SFSTs during phase two?

There are no signs of impairment observed Signup and view all the answers

What is a clue during a DUI investigation?

A piece of evidence suggesting impairment Signup and view all the answers

During the initial contact with a driver, what is critical for officers to remember?

Treat all occupants with fairness and respect Signup and view all the answers

What should be observed during the driver exiting the vehicle?

The driver's physical balance and coordination Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

DUI Detection Process

The DUI detection process begins when a driver is suspected of being impaired and ends when there is or is not sufficient probable cause to arrest for a DUI offense.
The process involves three phases: vehicle in motion, personal contact, and pre-arrest screening.

Phase One: Vehicle in Motion

Observing the way the driver operates and stops the vehicle
Visual cues that may indicate an impaired driver:
- Lane position problems (weaving, drifting, straddling a lane line, etc.)
- Speed and braking problems (stopping problems, accelerating or decelerating unnecessarily, etc.)
- Vigilance problems (driving without headlights at night, failing to signal, etc.)
- Judgment problems (following too closely, conducting an improper lane change, etc.)

Phase Two: Personal Contact

Observing and speaking with the driver face to face
Look for clues, such as:
- Unable to follow instructions
- Unable to open the door
- Leaves the vehicle in gear
- Climbs out of the vehicle
- Sways or staggers while walking
- Leans against the vehicle or another object
- Places hands on the vehicle for balance

Phase Three: Pre-arrest Screening

Administering the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to determine probable cause to arrest for DUI
SFSTs consist of:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test
- Walk and turn test
- One-leg stand test

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test

An involuntary jerking of the eyes as they move toward the side
Move the stimulus all the way across the driver's face to check the left eye, holding that position for a minimum of four seconds
Repeat the procedure for the right eye
Look for distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation
Check for the onset of nystagmus prior to 45°

Walk and Turn Test

A divided attention test that measures a person's ability to perform both mental and physical tasks at the same time
Check for clues, such as:
- Not counting out loud
- Counting an incorrect number of steps
- Turning in the wrong direction
- Utering incriminating statements during the test
Document the reason the test was stopped, if necessary

One-Leg Stand Test

Conduct the test on a stable, level, and non-slippery surface, if possible
Certain drivers may have difficulty performing this test due to back, leg, or inner ear problems
Give the driver an opportunity to remove their shoes if necessary
The test consists of two stages: instructions stage and balance and counting stage

DUI Basics

Impaired driving is a major cause of traffic fatalities in the United States, with drivers showing impairment due to various reasons such as alcohol, drugs, medical conditions, and mental or physical disabilities.
Impaired drivers are more likely to take excessive risks, have slow reaction times, and are less likely to wear seatbelts.
Education and deterrence are essential in preventing impaired driving, with law enforcement playing a crucial role in enforcing DUI laws and educating the community.

DUI Traffic Stops

During a DUI investigation, a clue is a piece of evidence that suggests impairment, such as signs of drug or alcohol impairment, and can be observed through conversation and observation of the driver.
Task one of phase two of the DUI detection process involves observing and talking with the driver in the vehicle, which begins as soon as both vehicles have come to a complete stop.
The initial face-to-face contact with the driver may give the first indications of impairment, and the driver and occupants should be treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Legal Issues

Under Florida law, a person is driving under the influence (DUI) if they are driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or certain chemical or controlled substances.
Normal faculties include a person's ability to see, hear, walk, talk, judge distances, drive an automobile, make judgments, act in emergencies, and normally perform the mental and physical acts of daily life.

Phase Two—Personal Contact

Task two of phase two involves observing the driver exiting the vehicle, and based on these observations, the officer must make a major decision to administer SFSTs, continue dialoguing with the driver, or finish the contact if no impairment is observed.

HGN Testing

The HGN test is used to detect impairment and involves observing the driver's eyes to provide clues of alcohol or drug impairment.
The test involves giving the driver instructions to stand with their feet together and hands down at their side, keeping their head still, and following a small object with their eyes only.
The object is moved smoothly across the driver's entire field of vision two times to check for equal tracking.

DUI Arrest Report

A clear and comprehensive DUI arrest report should establish the following elements for the arrest:
- Reasonable suspicion for stopping or contacting the accused
- The accused was the driver or in actual physical control of the vehicle
- Probable cause to believe the accused was impaired
- The officer followed lawful procedure regarding the rights of the accused
- The officer followed lawful arrest procedures
- Subsequent observation and interview of the accused provided additional evidence relevant to the alleged offense
- The officer made a lawful request for the accused to submit to the breath, urine, or blood test, and the results of the test
The report should be organized around the complete sequence of events from start to end, beginning with the first observation of the driver and ending with the incarceration or release of the person.

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Description

Recognize the visual cues that may indicate an impaired driver, such as weaving, drifting, and swerving. This quiz is based on the Florida Basic Recruit Training Program.