Sunday, July 15, 2012: 12:00 pm (Dennis): This talk will look behind the process, techniques, and technology (or lack thereof) used by law enforcement to identify suspected intoxication. What most people don't know is that there is little in the way of scientific process or technology that is used during the testing of intoxication. The process relies on a strategy of behavioral cues and coercion often geared towards leading an individual to admit wrongdoing. The technology and instruments used by law enforcement for determining sobriety has changed little over the years. Some of these technologies are inherently flawed or misleading. This presentation will take a closer look at the most common techniques and equipment including the Breathalyzer, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN), and the instruction led Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST). There will be a discussion of how each of these processes works and an enumeration of potential flaws or tactics one should be aware of to ensure fair and unbiased treatment.

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