field sobriety training

[deputy2003]

hello again was wondering,I took a week of vacation to attend a FST training course to get state certified with the agency im a reserve with,It is taught by our state police and lasts a week 8-5 m-fri,it covers the field tests as well as the breathe machine thats kept at the jail........what can I expect at this class???? is it like most,schools a test at the end you pass and get a card,I have done some dwi's with other officers,seems like alot of paperwork for the machine and you have to read over everything with the suspect clearly etc. some even refuse and you have to have a card in the machine and wait the 3 minutes to give them time to blow...........will this be a feather in my cap if I want to go full time someday? all the training I have done as a reserve has been on my own time.I patrol solo and when I have had dwi's in the past I have had to call for backup

[rdp]

NHTSA is the main base for the training for the DUI tests. They have been tested and proven reliable. Some teach just the basics without HGN while others throw in the HGN as it takes longer.

As for the machine certification, each model/brand is different and you will be trained on one particular type.

[tpd_six]

If it's a week long course they probably will teach the three standardized tests at least, plus the intoxilyzer training. In my state the class involves doing tests on actual impaired persons, the instructors bring in people to drink for the class to varying levels of impairment. The intoxilyzer certification here involves a written test to get your certification card and has to be retaken every couple of years. It certainly won't hurt your job seeking to have it on your resume.

[Lfpdlieu302]

you'll probably be given a written test on both. as well as a practical excercise on both to prove your proficiency. we actually had live "drunks" on hand for our sfst training. that was a blast...hmmm.....wonder how i can become a test drinker for that class?

[K9Cop]

just a side note cause others before me gave you good scoop - I'm not sure what state your in, or if any other states get on your case for using the word machine when referring to the intoxiliyzer, but here in NC the instructors will seriously dog you and you'll have to pay twenty-five cents each time you say machine...instead of instrument and if they hear you in court referring to it as a machine .

Does anyone know if OK finally went from the Breathalyzer to the Intoxilyzer - last time I was there (93) I was surprised to see them still using the Breathalyzer....they said it would be a long time comming before they switch over...something about the man who invented the Breathalyzer was from OK and they were reluctant to switch - was wondering if they were just yanking my chain......

[FPS207]

I am a DUI enforcement officer in Georgia. The classes for SFST and the Intoxilyzer 5000, are separate classes in this state. SFST class is a three day class by itself and the Intoxilyzer 5000 class is a two day class by itself. It appears your state combined the classes together to complete both at one time. SFST's are based on NHTSA training and is an excellent course in determining impairment. HGN is extremely important and vital and it alone can help you determine a person's BAC prior to actually testing them on the Intoxilyzer. I would recommend these classes however you should have some interest in DUI enforcement. You have to use the SFST's to become proficient and to recognize different levels of Nystagmus.

[ousoonerfan3]

Does anyone know if OK finally went from the Breathalyzer to the Intoxilyzer

Oklahoma City PD uses the Intoxilyzer, as does anyone else that uses the city/county jail. Some municipalities still use the Breathalyzer...don't have the money to make the switch, or they have picked up a hand-me-down when someone else upgraded.

Dr. Robert Borkenstein of the Indiana State Police invented the Breathalyzer in 1954.

[K9Cop]

Oklahoma City PD uses the Intoxilyzer, as does anyone else that uses the city/county jail. Some municipalities still use the Breathalyzer...don't have the money to make the switch, or they have picked up a hand-me-down when someone else upgraded.

Thanks for the reply.