NCJ Number
190858
Journal
Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: June 2001 Pages: 57-65
Date Published
June 2001
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study sought to determine the opinions of police surgeons regarding use of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests in the assessment of suspect drivers.
Abstract
Twenty-five police surgeons who attended a full-day training program concerning "Drugs and Driving" received a questionnaire relating to field sobriety tests. An identical questionnaire was submitted to all 101 registered police surgeons in Strathclyde, resulting in a 45 percent response, and the results of the two groups were compared. Of the conference attendees, 54 percent of doctors were satisfied with the tests, while 46 percent expressed reservations. Each test was considered separately, however the Walk and Turn Test and the One Leg Stand Test caused the highest levels of concern from at least 50 percent of the doctors. Of the postal responses, 52 percent were satisfied with the tests, however 48 percent expressed concerns. Again, the Walk and Turn Test and the One Leg Stand Test were by far the tests causing most concern. Irrespective of length of experience and postgraduate qualification, a significant percentage of police surgeons in Strathclyde expressed concern regarding standardized field sobriety tests. This led the study to suggest that, to make these tests as fair and scientifically accurate as was realistically possible, further discussion with specialists in the field would be of benefit. Table, figures, references, appendix