Evaluation of standardized field sobriety tests training in North Carolina

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of SFST training in North Carolina. Effectiveness was assessed by comparing differences in the following variables before and after training: (1) the officers’ DWI arrest rates, (2) the officers’ DWI conviction rates, and (3) the arrested drivers’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. Other variables examined included: the officers’ confidence levels in (4) identifying DWI drivers, (5) writing complete and accurate reports about DWI drivers; and (6) testifying clearly and convincingly in court. The results of this study suggest that officers equipped with SFST training are more confident in their abilities to detect DWI offenders, to write a complete and accurate report, and to testify in court clearly and convincingly. Also there is some evidence that these increased abilities correlate with an increase in DWI arrests.