Volunteers team up with Deschutes County deputies for rare DUII sobriety training
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Deschutes County sheriff's deputies conducted a unique training exercise Monday that involved getting volunteers intoxicated. This DUII roadside sobriety test training takes place approximately once every five years.
Volunteers selected by the sheriff's office arrived at the Deschutes County Fairgrounds just after 3 p.m. They spent an hour drinking under deputy supervision. Throughout this time, they were given Breathalyzer tests until they reached a level above the legal limit.
Law enforcement officers then took turns administering standardized roadside sobriety tests on the volunteers. Some of the deputies were performing these tests for the first time as part of their training.
The deputies look for involuntary physiological responses. It's not about "passing" the test, but certain clues cannot be faked.
Patrol Sergeant Danny Graham said there is no substitute for training officers to recognize intoxication by working with people who have actually been drinking.
“It can't be simulated because we need to experience the real sights and smells and use our senses alongside administering the field sobriety tests," Graham said. "It helps us pick up on subtle clues that sober people or actors cannot display.”
Among the volunteers, one was actually sober, and it was up to the officers to identify who.
After the exercise, officers studied the latest DUII laws and received further classroom training.
This training offers surprising insights into alcohol's effects for both officers and volunteers, and it builds camaraderie between them. The volunteers appeared to enjoy their role in the tests.
