DWI Investigations: Law Enforcement Training And Breathalyzer Test Accuracy

In this article, you can discover:

• The training law enforcement officers receive for DWI investigations and breathalyzer machines.
• The accuracy and reliability of standardized field sobriety tests in determining driver impairment.
• Factors that can compromise the results of field sobriety tests.

Are All Law Enforcement Officers Trained In DWI Investigations, Including Using The Breathalyzer Machine?

All law enforcement officers receive basic training in their academy on traffic laws, DWI enforcement, and certain field sobriety tests. After about a year, they can qualify for certification in using various breath testing instruments, such as the Alcotest 7110 and the upcoming Alcotest 9510.

Officers can also undergo more advanced training. This might include the 40-hour course on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test or the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program.

Are Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Accurate In Determining Whether A Driver Is Under The Influence?

Standardized field sobriety tests, such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the walk and turn test, and the one-leg stand test, have limited reliability. Accuracy rates for these tests generally range from 68% to 82%.

These tests can be compromised by factors like nervousness, distraction, physical problems, or tiredness. While law enforcement may view these tests as scientific, they primarily serve to justify an arrest and continue the investigation with breath testing.

For more information on the Training Of Police In DWI Investigations, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (732) 218-9090 today.