Three Phases of an Impaired Driving Investigation are Essential for a Proper Police Report
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Pre-Exit Questioning of the Driver:
Asking for two things simultaneously, be alert for the driver who: Forgets to produce both documents; produces documents other than the ones requested; fails to see requested documents while searching through wallet or purse; fumbles or drops wallet, purse, documents; is unable to retrieve documents using fingertips. Asking interrupting or distracting questions, be alert for the driver who: Ignores the question and concentrates only on the license, insurance, and registration search; forgets to resume the search after answering the question; supplies a grossly incorrect answer to the question. Asking Unusual Questions For example, while holding the driver’s license, the officer may ask the driver, “What is your middle name?”
Exit Sequence: Be alert to the driver who:
Shows angry or unusual reactions, cannot follow instructions, cannot open the door, leaves the vehicle in gear, “climbs” out of vehicle, leans against vehicle, keeps hands on vehicle for balance. Proper face-to-face observation and interview of a driver requires the ability to recognize the sensory evidence of alcohol and/or drug influence and the ability to describe that evidence clearly and convincingly.
PHASE 3: PRE-ARREST SCREENING
In this phase, the officer administers the three scientifically validated psychophysical Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) Test – The HGN test is the most reliable field sobriety test. HGN refers to an involuntary jerking occurring as the eyes gaze toward the side. Involuntary jerking of the eyes becomes readily noticeable when a person is impaired by certain substances, including alcohol.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving ®
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