DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)

This comprehensive 24-hour training program prepares law enforcement officers to effectively identify and evaluate drivers suspected of impaired driving, starting from the initial vehicle observation through suspect arrest and processing procedures.

The curriculum combines detection methodologies established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with practical instruction on standardized sobriety testing procedures. Participants will also examine the legal framework of DUI enforcement, including Miranda and Implied Consent considerations, and develop skills in documenting observations for effective courtroom presentation.

Course Topics

• Visual detection techniques for impaired drivers
• Legal considerations in DUI enforcement operations
• Standardized field sobriety testing, including horizontal gaze nystagmus assessment
• Proper documentation and evidence preservation methods
• Sobriety checkpoints and roadblock procedures
• Video recording and evidence presentation issues
• Two NHTSA-recommended drinking exercises for realistic scenario training

Target Audience

This course is designed for patrol officers, DUI investigators, supervisors, and prosecuting attorneys. Attendance is restricted to active, sworn law enforcement personnel and prosecuting attorneys employed by governmental agencies. Florida sworn law enforcement officers may qualify for grant-funded tuition through the Florida Department of Transportation, though federal and military law enforcement personnel in Florida are not eligible for this benefit.

Course Details

Duration: 24 hours

Class Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Fee: $695.00 (Grant-funded tuition assistance available for eligible Florida officers)

Available Sessions

Port Richey: November 2-4, 2026 at Port Richey Police Department, 6333 Ridge Road, Port Richey, FL 34668

South Miami: December 7-9, 2026 at South Miami Police Department Training Center, 5825 Southwest 68th Street, Suite 3, South Miami, FL 33143

Orlando: December 7-9, 2026 at Orange County Sheriff's Office, 2500 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32804

Fernandina Beach: December 7-9, 2026 at Fernandina Beach Police Department, 1525 Lime Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

Cocoa: January 11-13, 2027 at Florida Highway Patrol - Cocoa, 3775 West King Street, Cocoa, FL 32926 (Instructors: Anthony Palese, Channing Taylor)

Ocala: January 25-27, 2027 at Marion County Emergency Operations Center, 692 Northwest 30th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475

Sarasota: February 1-3, 2027 at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, 6000 Rick Piccolo Circle, Sarasota, FL 34243

Stuart: March 29-31, 2027 at Stuart Police Department Emergency Operations Center, 830 Southeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34994

Marathon: April 12-14, 2027 at Monroe County Sheriff's Office Aviation Hangar, 10100 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

Student Feedback

Participants consistently praise the quality of instruction and practical training approach, noting that the course builds confidence in conducting sobriety testing and DUI investigations. The use of real-world scenarios and intoxicated subjects enhances the realism and applicability of the training to field work.