CUES - What an Officer is Trained to Look for When Making A DUI Arrest
When making a DUI arrest, officers look for several "Cures" which determine if the individual arrested is under the influence or not.
First Phase - Intoxicated Driving
Officers are trained that certain types cues are signs of possible alcohol impairment and are as follows
- Difficulty with vehicle controls
- Difficulty exiting the vehicle
- Fumbling with the requested documents
- Repeating questions or comments
- Swaying, unsteady, or balance problems
- Leaning on vehicle or other object
- Slurred Speech
- Slow to respond to officer's questions and /or an officer must repeat questions.
- Provides incorrect information, changes answers
- An order of an alcoholic beverage on the driver's person
Of course, many of these "cues" will occur merely because someone is nervous from being questioned by the police officer. An experienced DUI lawyer will ask the officer which cues his client did or did not show while being in contact with the individual who ultimately ends up arrested for a DUI.
In addition, the officer will be looking for other cues that would be seen during the initial contact with the individual arrested for DUI. These cues include.
- Bloodshot eyes
- Soiled Clothing
- Fumbling fingers
- Alcohol Containers
- Drugs or drug paraphernalia
- Bruises, bumps, or scratches
- Unusual actions
The officer will also be listening for the following cues of intoxication when arresting an individual for a DUI.
- Slurred speech
- Admission of drinking or drug use
- Inconsistent responses
- Abusive language
- Unusual statements
The officer will also looking for clues that may be smelled during the DUI arrest process that could indicate alcohol and/or drug impairment.
- The odor of an alcoholic beverage
- The odor of marijuana
- "Cover-up" odors like breath sprays. Does the driver attempt to mask the odor of his/her breath by immediately lightening a cigarette or placing gum/breath mints in his/her mouth upon being stopped.
- Other unusual odors.
