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Investigation of DUI Cases: Non-Standardized FST Verbal Alphabet Test Print E-mail

By: DARREN KAVINOKY

 

Investigation of DUI Cases: Non-Standardized FST Verbal Alphabet Test

 

There are 2 different types of alphabet tests which law enforcement may administer.

Neither test is a standardized field sobriety test (FST). Non-standardized FST’s do not have scientific data supporting their use for the purpose of indicating alcohol impairment.

Verbal Alphabet

Method

The subject is instructed to stand upright, with their hands at their sides. The subject is instructed to recite the alphabet aloud, either from the letter “A” or another arbitrary letter until reaching the letter “Z” or another arbitrary letter.

Clues

1) Subject starts too soon 2) Subject unable to follow instructions 3) Subject skipped some letters 4) Subject stopped and then restarted test, starting from beginning 5) Subject exhibited objective signs of intoxication

Scoring

Because this test is non-standardized, there is no scientifically-backed scoring system to accurately determine how many clues it takes to “fail” this test. Therefore, whether or not the subject passes or fails is subjective to the officer administering the test and not reliable.

 
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