The Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Practitioner Course
The Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Practitioner Course is a specialized training program designed to teach law enforcement officers and, in some cases, legal professionals the proper procedures for administering and interpreting field sobriety tests. The course is developed and maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is widely regarded as the gold standard for training in field sobriety testing.
What is Taught in the SFST Practitioner Course?
- Introduction to DWI Detection and Enforcement: The course begins with an overview of the legal and procedural framework surrounding DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) enforcement. This includes the definition of DWI, the importance of enforcement, and an introduction to the three phases of DWI detection.
- Physiological Effects of Alcohol: Participants learn how alcohol affects the human body, including the central nervous system. This knowledge is critical for understanding how impairment manifests and how it can be detected.
- DWI Detection Phases:
- Phase One: Vehicle in Motion: Observing and identifying cues that suggest a driver may be impaired, such as erratic driving or traffic violations.
- Phase Two: Personal Contact: Techniques for interacting with a driver once they have been stopped. This includes observing physical and behavioral cues of impairment, such as slurred speech or the smell of alcohol.
- Phase Three: Pre-arrest Screening: Administration of standardized field sobriety tests and preliminary breath testing.
- Administration of SFSTs: The core component of the course involves detailed instruction on the three standardized field sobriety tests:
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN): This test involves observing the suspect’s eyes as they follow a slowly moving object, such as a pen or flashlight. The presence of involuntary jerking of the eyes can indicate impairment.
- Walk-and-Turn (WAT): This divided attention test requires the suspect to take nine steps, heel-to-toe, along a straight line, turn on one foot and return similarly. Difficulty performing this test can suggest impairment.
- One-Leg Stand (OLS): The suspect must stand on one leg and count aloud for 30 seconds. Swaying, using arms for balance, hopping, or putting the foot down can indicate impairment.
- Interpretation and Documentation: The course also covers how to properly interpret the field sobriety test results and how to document the findings in a manner that will be admissible in court.
- Legal Aspects and Courtroom Testimony: Training includes presenting and defending the results of field sobriety tests in court. This includes understanding the legal standards for admissibility and preparing for cross-examination.
Why is it an Advantage for a Defense Lawyer to Have Taken the Course?
- In-Depth Understanding of Procedures: A defense attorney who has completed the SFST Practitioner Course thoroughly understands the procedures and standards that law enforcement officers are trained to follow. This knowledge allows the attorney to identify and challenge any deviations or errors made during the administration of the tests.
- Ability to Cross-Examine Effectively: During the trial, the defense attorney can effectively cross-examine the arresting officer about the specific steps and observations involved in the field sobriety tests. The attorney can weaken the prosecution’s case by pinpointing inaccuracies or inconsistencies in the officer’s testimony.
- Identifying Defenses: Knowledge gained from the course enables the attorney to identify potential defenses that may not be apparent to those without this specialized training. For example, the attorney can argue that the results of the field sobriety tests are invalid due to improper administration or external factors affecting the tests (e.g., poor lighting, uneven surfaces, and the suspect’s medical conditions).
- Enhanced Credibility: Completing the SFST Practitioner Course adds to the attorney’s credibility in court. It demonstrates to judges and juries that the attorney has a specialized understanding of field sobriety testing, which can bolster the defense’s arguments and potentially sway the outcome in favor of the defendant.
- Staying Current with Best Practices: The SFST Practitioner Course is regularly updated to reflect the latest research and best practices in field sobriety testing. Attorneys who have taken the course are more likely to stay informed about new developments and techniques, giving them a tactical advantage in defending DWI cases.
In summary, the SFST Practitioner Course provides defense attorneys with valuable knowledge and skills that can significantly enhance their ability to defend clients in DWI cases. This training equips them with the tools to scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence meticulously, challenge the validity of field sobriety tests, and ultimately provide a more robust defense.
