DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)

This comprehensive 24-hour program is designed to equip law enforcement professionals with the essential skills needed to identify and properly assess motorists suspected of driving under the influence. Participants will progress through a complete training sequence that spans from initial vehicle observations through suspect arrest and processing procedures.

The curriculum emphasizes the standardized sobriety testing methodologies established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Officers will gain practical knowledge in enforcement strategies, legal considerations including Miranda rights and Implied Consent laws, and proper techniques for documenting observations that will hold up in court proceedings.

Course Topics

• Visual indicators of impaired operation
• Legal frameworks for DUI enforcement activities
• Standardized field sobriety testing procedures, including horizontal gaze nystagmus assessment
• Documentation and evidence preservation methods
• Sobriety checkpoint operations and procedures
• Video recording and evidence issues
• Two NHTSA-recommended impairment exercises

Intended Audience

This course is restricted to active, sworn law enforcement officers, DUI investigators, supervisors, and prosecuting attorneys employed by governmental agencies. Florida sworn law enforcement personnel may be eligible for grant-funded seats provided by the Florida Department of Transportation (federal and military law enforcement personnel stationed in Florida do not qualify for this funding).

Course Details

Duration: 24 hours
Daily Schedule: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Available Sessions

Port Richey: November 2-4, 2026 at Port Richey Police Department, 6333 Ridge Road, Port Richey, FL 34668 (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

South Miami: December 7-9, 2026 at South Miami Police Department Training Center, 5825 Southwest 68th Street, Suite 3, South Miami, FL 33143 (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

Orlando: December 7-9, 2026 at Orange County Sheriff's Office, 2500 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804 (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

Cocoa: January 11-13, 2027 at Florida Highway Patrol - Cocoa, 3775 West King Street, Cocoa, FL 32926 - Instructors: Anthony Palese, Channing Taylor (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

Ocala: January 25-27, 2027 at Marion County Emergency Operations Center, 692 Northwest 30th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475 (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

Sarasota: February 1-3, 2027 at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 6000 Rick Piccolo Circle, Sarasota, FL 34243 (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

Stuart: March 29-31, 2027 at Stuart Police Department Emergency Operations Center, 830 Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994 (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

Marathon: April 12-14, 2027 at Monroe County Sheriff's Office Aviation Hangar, 10100 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050 (Grant-funded: $0.00 | Standard: $695.00)

Student Feedback

Participants consistently praise the quality of instruction and practical value of the training. Students report increased confidence in conducting field sobriety assessments and investigations. The use of actual intoxicated subjects during practical exercises helps recreate realistic field scenarios that officers will encounter in their professional duties.

Offered by the Institute of Police Technology and Management at the University of North Florida