Course Description

This focused 4-hour SFST Basic Refresher course is designed by the Missouri Safety Center to ensure law enforcement professionals maintain proficiency and up-to-date knowledge in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST). Participants will benefit from a review of DWI evidence identification, scientifically validated sobriety test administration and interpretation, and techniques for clearly and convincingly articulating DWI evidence in legal settings. This course ultimately aims to enhance officers’ abilities to deter impaired driving and reduce alcohol-related incidents.

Course Objectives and Outcomes

Master DWI Evidence Identification

Refine your ability to pinpoint and interpret crucial indicators of alcohol and drug-related impaired driving. Through an in-depth review of the three DWI detection phases — vehicle in motion, personal contact, and pre-arrest screening — officers will sharpen their observational skills. Participants will learn to recognize the subtle and overt cues associated with impairment in each phase, enhancing their effectiveness in identifying and addressing DWI offenses.

Expert Sobriety Test Administration and Interpretation

Gain expertise in the precise administration and accurate interpretation of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. A hands-on review will cover the SFST battery, including Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk-and-Turn and One-Leg Stand. Officers will engage in practical exercises and receive expert feedback to ensure they can confidently conduct SFSTs, correctly identify the signs of impairment, and apply standardized scoring criteria according to established protocols.

Articulate Compelling DWI Evidence

Develop enhanced communication skills to articulate Driving While Impaired (DWI) evidence clearly and convincingly in legal contexts. Building upon a reinforced understanding of DWI detection phases and SFST administration, the focus will be on effectively conveying observations and test results. Participants will learn techniques to present evidence in a manner that is easily understood by prosecutors, judges, and juries, strengthening case presentation and contributing to successful DWI prosecution.

Understand Scientific Basis of SFSTs

Explore the scientific validation underpinning Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and their application. Key validation studies that support the reliability and accuracy of SFSTs in identifying impaired drivers will be examined to understand their importance. By examining the research, officers will gain a deeper appreciation for the scientific foundation of SFSTs, reinforcing their confidence in using these tools and explaining their validity in legal and public safety contexts.

Other Information

This course is approved by Missouri P.O.S.T. and provides the following Continuing Education Hours: total of 4 hours.

• Technical Studies: 3 hours
• Skill Development: 1 hour

This SFST Basic Refresher training program is intended for refresher training only. This program is not a substitute for the NHTSA/IACP approved DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing training.

Tuition is waived for qualified Missouri Law Enforcement Officers through funding by MoDOT grants. Agencies are responsible for lodging and other expenses unless otherwise noted.