By: DARREN KAVINOKY

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

Written Alphabet

Method

The subject is instructed to write the alphabet on a piece of paper, date, and sign it with their signature.

Clues

1) Subject skipped some letters 2) Subject stopped and then restarted test, starting from beginning 3) Subject unable to write the alphabet correctly 4) 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.