Massachusetts DWI DUI OUI Field Sobriety Test Police Training Manual

PRE-ARREST SCREENING

PHASE THREE TASKS AND DECISION

Like Phases One and Two, DWI Detection Phase Three, Pre-arrest Screening has two major evidence gathering tasks and one major decision.

PHASE THREE:
Prearrest Screening

IS THERE PROBABLE
CAUSE TO ARREST
THE SUSPECT FOR DWI?

Your first task in Phase Three is to administer three scientifically validated psychophysical (field) sobriety tests. Based on these tests and on all other evidence from Phase One and Two, you must decide whether there is sufficient probable cause to arrest the driver for DWI. Your second task may then be to administer (or arrange for) a preliminary breath test (PBT) to con firm the chemical basis of the driver’s impairment, if your agency uses PBTs. The entire detection process culminates in the arrest/no arrest decision.

PSYCHOPHYSICAL TESTS

Psychophysical tests are methods of assessing a suspect’s mental and physical impairment. These tests focus on the abilities needed for safe driving: balance, coordination, information processing and so on.

Psychophysical testing actually begins as soon as you come into face-to-face contact with the suspect and begin the interview Psychophysical testing continues as the suspect steps from the vehicle and you observe the manner of the exit

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