Class of 15-18 Week #6
Week #6, OUI Enforcement and Field Sobriety Testing
Sgt. Adam Traynor gave the class an overview of OUI enforcement procedures and the different elements of the field sobriety tests. As usual, 2 volunteers were taken out for drinks and dinner before class, under strict supervision, and then escorted to class. Sgt. Traynor then put each volunteer through the various field sobriety tests--reciting the alphabet (without singing), counting backwards, walking a straight line and turning, undergoing the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, and standing on one leg for 30 seconds while counting. They were also subjected to a breathalyzer test; the results of a breathalyzer test generally can not be used in court. Both volunteers did OK on some of the tests and failed others. Officers look for various clues to determine if someone is impaired--i.e., using arms for balance, swaying while balancing, putting a foot down, taking the wrong number of steps, or hopping. Officer Grigorenko gave a fine example of hopping. The officer then uses all the evidence collected from the various tests and his or her personal interaction with the person to make an arrest determination. The class was asked to estimate the results of the breath tests and make a decision about an arrest. Estimates were in the .10-.12 range. Sgt. Gilrein then told the class how much alcohol each volunteer had consumed: the woman had consumed 5 vodka-based cocktails and a Fireball whiskey shot. The man consumed basically the same amount, and they both blew .09 on the breath test. Class voted to arrest them both.
Next week's class: Court Procedures and the function of the District Attorney's Office.
Sgt. Adam Traynor gave the class an overview of OUI enforcement procedures and the different elements of the field sobriety tests. As usual, 2 volunteers were taken out for drinks and dinner before class, under strict supervision, and then escorted to class. Sgt. Traynor then put each volunteer through the various field sobriety tests--reciting the alphabet (without singing), counting backwards, walking a straight line and turning, undergoing the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, and standing on one leg for 30 seconds while counting. They were also subjected to a breathalyzer test; the results of a breathalyzer test generally can not be used in court. Both volunteers did OK on some of the tests and failed others. Officers look for various clues to determine if someone is impaired--i.e., using arms for balance, swaying while balancing, putting a foot down, taking the wrong number of steps, or hopping. Officer Grigorenko gave a fine example of hopping. The officer then uses all the evidence collected from the various tests and his or her personal interaction with the person to make an arrest determination. The class was asked to estimate the results of the breath tests and make a decision about an arrest. Estimates were in the .10-.12 range. Sgt. Gilrein then told the class how much alcohol each volunteer had consumed: the woman had consumed 5 vodka-based cocktails and a Fireball whiskey shot. The man consumed basically the same amount, and they both blew .09 on the breath test. Class voted to arrest them both.
Next week's class: Court Procedures and the function of the District Attorney's Office.
Contributing Editor, Donna Leiss
Photos courtesy of Bob Nichols and Pauline Fortin
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