18 Questions
What is the primary objective of a law enforcement officer during a DWI investigation?
To accurately identify and prosecute the impaired driver
What is the main focus of the NHTSA/IACP SFST course?
To provide an understanding of the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course
What is epilepsy characterized as?
A physical disorder of the brain
What is the primary cause of cerebral palsy?
Damage to specific areas of the brain during fetal development
What is diabetes characterized as?
A chronic auto-immune disease of pancreatic origin
What is the primary goal of a law enforcement officer during a DWI stop?
To ensure public safety and prevent accidents
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
What is the purpose of the DWI investigation and reporting process?
To accurately identify and prosecute impaired drivers
What is a police officer's primary responsibility when encountering a person with impaired responsiveness or behavior?
To consider the possibility of a disability
What is the main purpose of the Americans with Disabilities Act?
To prohibit discriminatory treatment of people with disabilities
What is a characteristic of a person with epilepsy during a seizure?
Clouded awareness and unorganized movements
What is a common symptom of high blood glucose levels in diabetes?
Headaches and blurry vision
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
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
What is the primary reason police officers should handle a seizure-like episode like it is a seizure?
To protect people's rights
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
What is the result of a seizure in a person with epilepsy?
Temporary loss of consciousness and muscle contractions
What is a characteristic of a person with cerebral palsy?
Impaired motor function and muscle control
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.
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.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
