Policy Text
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Sgt. Mark Scurria, MCIU Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Produced by : Ofc. Mark Kimble, PSU Volume 25-21
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Investigation Reminders
08-07-2025
There are several important steps in DUI investigations. Traffic Officers, MCIU Detectives, and
the DUI Field Guide are excellent resources whenever questions arise. Below are some key
reminders when conducting a DUI investigation:
1. If you suspect somebody is DUI, begin the investigation immediately. Time delays (dissipation of
alcohol/drugs) can cause significant problems during the prosecution stage. This is especially true for
DUIs associated with GBI/fatal collisions.
2. If the driver is uncooperative, initiate the warrant process and begin the on- call phlebotomist (and
CSI, if needed) immediately to minimize significant time delays.
3. Do not conduct a preliminary alcohol screening ( PAS) test to “rule out” DUI. Complete the entire
battery of standardized field sobriety tests ( SFSTs ) prior to administering a PAS.
4. Do not forget to complete the new Cost Recovery ( SPD 587) and Watson Admonishment ( SPD
807) forms.
5. Fully document all facts and circumstances that led to the detainment and probable cause for the
arrest, including objective signs of intoxication, presence of alcohol/prescription/paraphernalia bottles
and containers, performance on S FSTs, driving behaviors/details surrounding the collision (if one was
involved), passenger statements, etc.
6. At the hospital, SFSTs can be conducted (e.g., nystagmus), and the body -worn camera should be
recording if the investigation is still underway.
7. If a DUI is associated with a traffic collision (901) , use the same case # for both. The DUI can be
written on MRE. The 901 must be completed in Crossroads.
8. If a subject shows objective signs and symptoms of potential drug impairment, consider asking for
an on- duty DRE -trained officer to conduct an evaluation. CHP can be a secondary option if an SPD
officer is unavailable.
9. Do not use “implied consent” as justification for a blood draw (in a hospital setting, for example).
Write a warrant.
10. It has become common practice for officers in the field to author blood draw warrants during DUI
investigations. After the warrant is served, the author is responsible for filling out and uploading the
warrant return within 10 days of service. Email reminders to complete warrant returns are no longer
Roll Call Training Bulletin
Produced by: Sgt. Mark Scurria, MCIU Katherine Lester , Chief of Police
Produced by : Ofc. Mark Kimble, PSU Volume 25-21
sent through the portal. Officers are required by law to complete the return within 10 days and upload
it themselves to the portal . They also need to send a copy of the return (with the report # in the upper
right-hand corner) and a copy of the original warrant (with the warrant number after it has been
issued) to Records to be scanned and added to the report.
To assist with DUI investigations, please see the following link to the DUI Reference Guide located in
AMS:
DUI Field Guide 2023
For refer any questions regarding this training bulletin to Sgt. Mark Scurria, Major Collisions
Investigations Unit .