NCJ Number
52083
Date Published
Unknown
Length
61 pages
Annotation
GUIDELINES TO ASSIST MARYLAND POLICE OFFICERS IN THEIR CONTACTS WITH DRINKING WHILE INTOXICATED (DWI) SUSPECTS ARE PRESENTED IN A SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL UNIT FOR ENTRANCE-LEVEL OFFICERS.
Abstract
THE UNIT FOCUSES ON PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL LEAD TO THE HANDLING OF DWI SUSPECTS IN A MANNER THAT BOTH PROTECTS THE SUSPECTS' LEGAL RIGHTS AND MAXIMIZES THE LIKELIHOOD OF COURT CONVICTIONS. PROCEDURES FOR STOPPING THE SUSPECT ARE REVIEWED, AS ARE OBSERVATIONS THE OFFICER SHOULD MAKE IN INITIATING CONTACT WITH THE VIOLATOR. A DETAILED SECTION ON THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICER, UNDER MARYLAND LAW, ONCE THE DWI SUSPECT HAS STOPPED COVERS HANDLING THE DRIVER, SEARCHING THE DRIVER'S VEHICLE, AND ADVISING THE SUSPECT OF HIS OR HER CONSTITUTIONAL (MIRANDA) RIGHTS AND RIGHTS UNDER THE STATE'S IMPLIED CONSENT PROVISIONS REGARDING CHEMICAL TESTING FOR INTOXICATION. SPECIAL ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THE IMPORTANCE OF RECORDING AND DOCUMENTING EVIDENCE, AND OF MAKING RECORD CHECKS (BOTH DRIVING AND CRIMINAL) ON THE SUSPECT. GUIDELINES FOR RECOGNIZING SYMPTOMS THAT MAY REQUIRE PROMPT MEDICAL CARE FOR THE DWI SUSPECT ARE OFFERED. ANSWER-KEYED QUESTIONS ARE INCLUDED AS STUDY AIDS. FOR OTHER MARYLAND TRAINING DOCUMENTS ON DWI PROCEDURES, SEE NCJ-52080-52082 AND 52084.