At Butler Tech’s Adult Education Public Safety Education Complex, the Basic Police Academy cadets recently participated in a rigorous 40-hour Standard Field Sobriety Testing course, blending classroom theory with practical exercises. The certified instructors educate the cadets through course material such as presentations, videos, and case law, all culminating in a practical portion where friends and family volunteer to consume alcohol in a controlled environment and then submit themselves to field sobriety tests by the cadets.
“The real-world application of these skills is critical,” shared Joel Seibert, Commander of the Butler Tech Police Academy. “The activity is a huge benefit for the cadets. They get hands-on training, in dealing with intoxicated individuals, while in a safe environment.”
The volunteers participating in this controlled social setting created diverse scenarios for cadets to practice various sobriety tests, including detecting nystagmus, a condition where a person’s eyes will move rapidly and uncontrollably unrelated to alcohol consumption. The program culminates in night-time simulations, reflecting real-world conditions, and provides cadets with invaluable experience in managing intoxicated individuals safely, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles.
