Course Description

In today’s evolving legal environment, mastery of DWI detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) is essential for effective law enforcement. the Missouri Safety Center’s SFST Basic 8-Hour Refresher course offers an intensive training experience, meticulously designed to refresh your skills, update your knowledge base, and guarantee your SFST administration is precise, legally sound, and contributes to safer communities. This comprehensive refresher course systematically reviews every critical phase of DWI enforcement, form initial vehicle observation through detailed report writing, integrating the most current legal precedents and research-validated best practices. Through practical exercises, you will refine your technique and confidently apply your SFST experience in real-world scenarios.

Course Objectives and Outcomes

Vehicle in Motion & Personal Contact

The refresher course provides officers with the essential skills for the initial stages of DWI detection. Participants will thoroughly examine Detection Phases One and Two — Vehicle in Motion and Personal Contact — gaining expertise in accurately identifying key indicators of impairment. The course offers in-depth coverage of critical elements, including driving behavior cues, post-stop observations, recognition of alcohol influence symptoms, understanding of safe driving demands, and the application of effective questioning techniques.

SFST Review

A core component of the program is a comprehensive and practical review of the three Standarized Field Sobriety Tests: Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand. Through focused instruction, officers will engage in a detailed exploration of nystagmus categories, master standardized administrative procedures for each test, conduct a comprehensive examination of test clues, analyze relevant field validation studies, and ensure proper application of established test criteria.

Legal Update

The refresher course ensures officers are fully informed of the current legal framework surrounding DWI enforcement. Participants will receive a vital legal update on the evolving landscape of DWI law, covering essential legal definitions, key Missouri DWI statutes, significant case law precedents, and current, legally sound procedures for license actions related to DWI enforcement.

Report Writing & Forms

A key focus of the program is refining the critical documentation skills necessary for successful DWI cases. The refresher course emphasizes best practices for DWI report writing through dedicated instruction on the proper completion of Alcohol Influence Report (AIR), constructing clear and effective narrative reports, and mastering accurate procedures for processing crucial paperwork, including Notice of Suspension and Revocation paperwork.

Practical Examinations

To solidify learned skills and guarantee practical application, the program culminates in dedicated hands-on exercises. Officers will actively engage in valuable practical exercises designed to practice and refine their administration of the 3-Test SFST battery under expert guidance, receiving personalized feedback to reinforce proper technique and build confidence.

Other Information

This course is approved by Missouri P.O.S.T. and provides the following Continuing Education Hours: 3.5 Technical hours, 1.5 Legal hours, and 3 Skill hours.

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.