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Field Sobriety Tests For the Marine Environment

Standardized field sobriety tests

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Page 1: Standardized field sobriety tests

Field Sobriety Tests For the Marine Environment

Page 2: Standardized field sobriety tests
Page 3: Standardized field sobriety tests

The Southern California Research Institute (SCRI) began validating field sobriety tests in the late 70’s

Page 4: Standardized field sobriety tests

In 1987, the USCG studied the relationships between the “afloat” tests and the validated “ashore” tests

Page 5: Standardized field sobriety tests

The current NASBLA BUI enforcement curriculum was developed based on these studies, best practices and case law

Page 6: Standardized field sobriety tests

Validating Field Validating Field Sobriety TestsSobriety Tests

Page 7: Standardized field sobriety tests

Identifying and establishing a battery of standardized field sobriety tests that can be administered in a marine environment;

Validate the afloat field sobriety tests to create a nationally accepted standard

Page 8: Standardized field sobriety tests

NASBLA initiated the grant process in 2004

The 3 year study was designed in phases;• Review current practices and evaluate

the most alcohol sensitive tests• Identify a battery of 4 tests using

scientific methodology • Field validate the test battery in the

marine environment

Peer review and defending the study results

Page 9: Standardized field sobriety tests

SCRI reviewed over 1,100 BUI arrest reports from member states;

Using test subjects 13 exercises were evaluated for alcohol sensitivity;

Six tests were identified for further studies• HGN• Finger to Nose• Palm Pat• Finger Count• Time Estimation• Hand Coordination

Page 10: Standardized field sobriety tests

Double-blind protocols were utilized;• Test subjects were isolated and

external clues were minimized• Test subject doses were unknown

Subject BAC levels were tightly grouped;• The highest test subject BAC was .110• 25% of subject BACs targeted .08

A seated battery of four tests were identified for field validation:• HGN• Finger to Nose• Palm Pat• Hand Coordination

Page 11: Standardized field sobriety tests

1. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. Officers evaluate the involuntary jerking of each eye independently, as the subject follows a stimulus during three separate checks. Four or more clues indicate a BAC ≥ .08.

2. Finger to Nose. The FTN test requires the subject to bring the tip of the index finger to touch the tip of the nose. It is performed with eyes closed and head tilted slightly back. Nine or more clues indicate a BAC ≥ .08.

Page 12: Standardized field sobriety tests

3. Palm Pat. The PP test requires the subject to place both hands, palms together in front of them. The top hand rotates 180 degrees, then alternates between the back and palm of the hand. The subject counts out loud with each pat. Two or more clues indicate a BAC ≥ .08

4. Hand Coordination. The HC test requires the subject to perform a series of tasks with their hands. Three or more clues indicate a BAC ≥ .08

Page 13: Standardized field sobriety tests

Study site was Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri• June 26 thru September 7, 2009

Missouri State Water Patrol;• Committed 4 officers for 10 weeks• Officers received 4 days of training

Officers made 331 stops during the study• 79% of the stops were for PC remainder

were at checkpoints• 58% of contacts had a BAC > .08 (n=190)

Page 14: Standardized field sobriety tests

Positive HGN, FTN, PP, and HC tests indicate a 91% probability that the BUI suspect has a BAC ≥ .08

Positive HGN, FTN, and PP tests indicate a 90% probability that the BUI suspect has a BAC ≥ .08.

Page 15: Standardized field sobriety tests

Coordinate with NHTSA, US DOT, USCG and IACP for curriculum development

Develop a BUI training curriculum that incorporates the validated battery into introductory and refresher lesson plans

Continuation of BUI instructor training seminars to enable member states to more quickly implement the standardized battery