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Pre-Arrest Screening
Like phases I, vehicle in motion, and II, personal contact, DUI Detection phase III, Pre-Arrest Screening, has two major evidence gathering tasks and one decision. The first task in phase III is to administer three sobriety tests which are known as the Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFT). Based on these tests and all other evidence from phase I and II, the officer must decide whether there is sufficient probable cause to arrest the driver for DUI. I will say at this point that in my opinion, once you are asked to get out of the vehicle you will be arrested.
The Standard Field Sobriety Tests are called Divided Attention Tests. The concept of divided attention has been applied to psychophysical testing. Field sobriety tests that simulate the divided attention characteristics of driving are being developed and are being used by police departments nationwide. The best of these tests exercise the same mental and physical capabilities that a person needs to drive safely:
- Information Processing;
- Short Term Memory;
- Judgment and Decision Making;
- Balance;
- Steady, Sure Reactions;
- Clear Vision;
- Small Muscle Control;
- Coordination of Limbs
Any test that requires a person to demonstrate two or more of the aforesaid capabilities simultaneously is potentially a good psychophysical test according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The three major tests that are given are the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test, The Walk and Turn Test and The One Leg Stand Test. The Walk and Turn test and the One Leg Stand Test are the two divided attention field sobriety tests that have proven accurate and effective in DUI detection according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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