MA Police Training Manual - OUI Stop Field Sobriety Tests

6. The final phase of this study was conducted as a field validation.

• Standardized, practical and effective procedures were developed

• The tests were determined to discriminate in the field, as well as in the laboratory.

7. The three standardized test were found to be highly reliable in identifying subjects whose BACs were above 0.10. The results of the study unmistakably validated the SFSTs.

SFST VALIDATION STUDIES

1. Three SFST validation studies were undertaken between 1995 and 1998:

• Colorado—1995
• Florida—1997
• San Diego—1998

2. The Colorado SFST validation study was the first full field study that utilized law enforcement personnel experienced in the use of SFSTs.

• The initial study utilized only a few experienced officers in DWI enforcement in both a laboratory setting and field setting.

• Correct arrests decisions were made 93% of the time based on the 3-test battery (HGN, WAT, OLS). Substantially higher than the initial study results.

3. The Florida SFST field validation study was undertaken in order to answer the question of whether SFSTs are valid and reliable indices of the presence of alcohol when used under present day traffic and law enforcement conditions.

• Correct decisions to arrest were made 95% of the time based on the 3-test battery (HON, WAT, OLS).

• This is the third SFST field validation study that has been undertaken. Each has shown that the SFST 3-test battery is the only scientifically validated and reliable method for discriminating between impaired and unimpaired drivers.

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