Law Enforcement: DWI Investigation & Reporting

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of a law enforcement officer during a DWI investigation?

To provide testimony in court

To accurately identify and prosecute the impaired driver (correct)

To provide medical assistance to the impaired driver

To provide counseling to the impaired driver

What is the main focus of the NHTSA/IACP SFST course?

To teach recruits how to detect and arrest impaired drivers

To provide an understanding of the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course (correct)

To train recruits on the identification of disabilities

To provide an overview of the American With Disabilities Act

What is epilepsy characterized as?

A physical disorder of the brain (correct)

A mental illness

A chronic auto-immune disease

A disability affecting body movement and muscle coordination

What is the primary cause of cerebral palsy?

Damage to specific areas of the brain during fetal development Signup and view all the answers

What is diabetes characterized as?

A chronic auto-immune disease of pancreatic origin Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a law enforcement officer during a DWI stop?

To ensure public safety and prevent accidents Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of disability according to the American With Disabilities Act?

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

What is the purpose of the DWI investigation and reporting process?

To accurately identify and prosecute impaired drivers Signup and view all the answers

What is a police officer's primary responsibility when encountering a person with impaired responsiveness or behavior?

To consider the possibility of a disability Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act?

To prohibit discriminatory treatment of people with disabilities Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a person with epilepsy during a seizure?

Clouded awareness and unorganized movements Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of high blood glucose levels in diabetes?

Headaches and blurry vision Signup and view all the answers

What should a police officer do if they encounter a person with a known diabetes and are unsure whether they are suffering from low or high blood sugar?

Administer a sugar substance and have the person conveyed immediately to the hospital Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible indicator of a disability if a person is acting strangely and no alcohol is detected on their breath?

The presence of a medical alert bracelet or necklace Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason police officers should handle a seizure-like episode like it is a seizure?

To protect people's rights Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main disabilities that a police officer might encounter during a traffic investigation that could lead them to believe alcohol may have been involved?

Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy, and Diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of a seizure in a person with epilepsy?

Temporary loss of consciousness and muscle contractions Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a person with cerebral palsy?

Impaired motor function and muscle control Signup and view all the answers

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.

Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)

The SFST course is developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
The course is required to accurately identify and prosecute impaired drivers.

Disability and Impaired Drivers

A disability is a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of a person's major life activities.
Examples of disabilities that may be mistaken for impaired driving include epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and diabetes.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that produces temporary disruptions in normal brain function, known as seizures.
It is not contagious or dangerous to others.
Management of a seizure involves letting the episode run its course while protecting the individual from harm.

Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a chronic condition affecting body movement and muscle coordination.
Symptoms may include:
- Impaired gait/mobility
- Slurred speech
- Hearing or visual impairments
- Muscle spasms or tightness
- Seizures
- Mental retardation

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease of pancreatic origin characterized by insulin deficiency, excess sugar in the blood and urine, weakness, and emaciation.
Symptoms of high blood glucose levels include:
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Dry and itchy skin
Symptoms of low blood glucose levels include:
- Confused state
- Shakiness
- Fatigue
- Staggering or poor coordination
- Nervousness or hunger
If not treated immediately, low blood sugar can lead to unconsciousness, coma, and even death.

Police Officer Response

If a police officer encounters a person acting strangely and no alcohol is detected, they should conduct a preliminary investigation to determine if a disability is involved.
Indicators of a possible disability include:
- Medical alert bracelet or necklace
- Questioning witnesses or neighbors
- Incontinence
- Blank stare
It is better to handle a seizure-like episode as a seizure until evidence clearly points in another direction.

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Description

This lesson plan covers the process of identifying impaired drivers, collecting evidence, documenting findings, and testifying in court. It emphasizes the importance of professionalism in law enforcement during DWI investigations.