I understand that police officers are trained enough to conduct field sobriety tests on people whom they think that are drunk driving but the question is, how are police officers in  Arizona trained for conducting such tests?

Easton

Glendale, AZ

Field sobriety tests (FST’s) program have long been implemented on DUI investigation since the Advisory Committee on Highway Safety of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) passed a resolution which recommended for law enforcement agencies to adopt the program developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As the program continues to grow, it has become apparent that in order to ensure continued success, nationally accepted standards should be established. These standards that establish criteria for the selection and training of standardized field sobriety test (SFST) practitioners will help ensure the continued high level of success of the SFST program.

Law enforcement officers at present, which include those in Glendale, Arizona, have training in the SFST program which is 16 hours in length and include at least two controlled drinking sessions utilizing volunteer drinkers. This is in conformity with section 1.2 of the Standards for Training in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.

I was pulled over by a police officer over a week ago because of a drunk driving suspicion here in Arizona and was charged with DUI. I didn’t agree to have a blood alcohol test but the officer said that I can’t refuse. Don’t I have the right to refuse that test?

David

Tucson, Arizona

DUI is confirmed by either taking field sobriety tests (FST) or an estimation of the blood alcohol levels. It is not required by law to agree to FST so you may opt to refuse to that. However, having an Arizona driver’s license automatically implies the consent of the driver to agree to chemical tests that determine sobriety if requested by the police officer. Various testing options exist, including breath, urine or blood. That is actually under the “Implied Consent Law.” If a driver refused to have a blood alcohol test, you have to be ready for the consequences.

Since it prompts suspicion of intoxication, a violation of the “Implied Consent Law” has serious repercussions during the court proceedings. In Arizona, the refusal to cooperate itself would be considered as a separate offense that results in the suspension of the driver’s license for a term or adds jail time to the pronounced sentence.