SHOW LOW- Three days of in-class DUI training culminated with a “wet-lab”, where officers applied what they learned in a realistic setting. Volunteers over the age of 21 consumed alcohol in a controlled environment, allowing officers to practice real-life recognition of an impaired person.
On Friday, area law enforcement agencies held a “wet-lab” to study the impacts of drinking and driving. Officers used this exercise to sharpen their skill sets in identifying signs of intoxication and what to expect in impaired driving and DUI situations.
About 28 participants drank beer, did shots, and had mixed drinks for hours in the “wet-lab.” It was a controlled space where police officers monitored the participant’s alcohol intake, gave breathalyzers, and made sure no one could drive away.
The “wet-lab” offered food and music and showed a football game. Volunteers received a number and used an alias.
“Where else can you spend a Friday night getting served shots by a police officer for science?” said volunteer number 13-IHop. I want to help with the science of DUIs and want to help officers learn, in a real life setting, how to detect an impaired driver,” Number 13-IHop continued.
After several hours of drinking alcohol and being monitored, police officers performed the eye test for a DUI, called the horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN) test. It’s a field sobriety test that’s used in most DUI investigations. The test is designed to detect nystagmus, which is an involuntary jerking of the eyes that can become more pronounced when someone is intoxicated.
After the officers completed their study of the “wet-lab” volunteers, they turned in their findings for an evaluation. It’s part of training for deputies to complete their Standardized Field Sobriety Testing certification.
Then, all the volunteers received a breathalyzer, got a free ride home or were picked up by a sober driver.
If you want to volunteer for a “wet-lab,” call the Show Low Police Department.