Page 43 - Argyle Police Officer Field Training Tips

One Leg Stand

When administering the one leg stand, place them near the back of
their vehicle. Have them face away from the road toward the
shoulder. By facing them perpendicular to the camera instead of
toward the camera, the video will clearly show when the violator
puts their foot down. For some reason, when a person is facing the
camera and puts their foot down, it’s not very clear on video.

When you demonstrate the test, get closer to your vehicle for
officer safety reasons. Create some distance between you and the
violator.

1. Have a timer ready (preferably a watch) and start the test
at either 0 second or 30 second mark on your watch so that
it is very evident when you stop the test.
2. Make sure they are on flat ground and stop the test if they
are losing balance to the point you think they are going to
fall. You will explain in your LEADRS report that you
terminated the test due to concerns for subject’s safety
and you can give further details.

Additional

1. Put together a DWI folder that you keep in your patrol bag
containing DIC-24, DIC-25, DWI questions checklist, DWI
check sheet that is on the PD shared drive, make sure you
have a blood kit in the patrol vehicle when you start your
shift. Some of the Officers have a good DWI folder, ask to
see one. The more you have your stuff together before you
start a DWI investigation, the less stressful the investigation
will be.
2. Always inventory the car before towing. Do not search
unless you have probable cause. And if its only alcohol for
your PC, you can only search the areas where a reasonable
person would believe alcohol is stored, i.e. under the seats,
in large compartments, coolers, etc. You cannot open an
ash tray for example in this scenario.
3. Might prefer to use the transport belt and keep them
handcuffed in front. But make sure you do a very good
search. DWI’s are long and they usually will need to use the
bathroom, sometimes multiple times. Just make sure you
clear the bathroom of everything before letting them use it.

Pg. 42 POLICE FIELD TRAINING CONCEPTS