The sheriff’s office in Missouri received an overwhelming response after asking alcohol drinkers to help update officers’ training with field sobriety tests.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday that it needed three to four occasional drinkers per day Tuesday through Thursday to participate in its “wet lab.” The program, which the department says is not new, is intended to be “fun and interesting” for participants while also allowing officers to become certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST).
Participants were provided with alcohol and sent to socialize in a room away from law enforcement. After an hour or two, the drinkers entered a training room and completed a series of field sobriety tests conducted by different officers.
Officials recorded their observations during the tests and asked participants suspected of being over the limit to submit a breath sample to determine their level of intoxication.
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A DWI Unit patrol vehicle with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri sits in a parking lot.
(Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)
When the program ended, the participants were taken home by officers or another sober driver.
The department said the program has been a standard for law enforcement certification for decades, but participants typically come from internal communications. This year, the show was held during the day, which was reportedly difficult to schedule and ultimately led officers to ask for volunteers.
Potential volunteers had to contact the department to be vetted and cleared to participate. While it did not give an exact number, the sheriff’s office said it received more than enough voluntary interest to cover multiple backup plans if necessary.
“Some people handle alcohol well and others not so well,” the JCSO said. “This is a fun experience, but it’s also a professional environment where officers are being vetted by trained professionals.”
A sign warning of an upcoming DUI checkpoint is seen on an interstate highway.
(iStock)
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Participants were offered wine, beer, or liquor. The department joked that it would not provide “Pappy Van Winkle” alcohol, but said no “cheap wine” or “railroad liquor” would be served, adding that volunteers are appreciated more than that.
The department also said that taxpayer funds were not used to purchase alcohol for the participants.
A glass of wine, beer and whiskey on top of a bar.
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People with alcohol-related arrests, pending criminal cases, or taking prescription drugs that cannot be mixed with alcohol were not allowed to participate. The volunteers were also required to have normal balance with no limitations in standing or walking.
