Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

Every year, impaired drivers cause thousands of traffic deaths and injuries. Law enforcement officers play a leading role in getting these drivers off our roads. The SFST course gives law enforcement the skills needed in detecting impaired drivers and administering a series of test to determine if there is evidence of impairment. This course was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and approved by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). National standards have been established by IACP to ensure consistency in the content, delivery, and application of this training program. The NHTSA/IACP basic course is the only curriculum that meets these standards.

This 24-hour course consists primarily of hands-on training utilizing both a wet lab or dry lab workshop. The wet lab employs volunteers who consume alcohol while the dry lab relies on video presentations of impaired subjects. Participants learn:

The Kansas Department of Transportation provides funding to facilitate SFST training to local law enforcement officers statewide. Although DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing courses are now required basic law enforcement training, this training is also still available to your agency for training with a wet lab workshop.

In addition to basic SFST Training, there is a four hour SFST Refresher training course offered on a biennial (two-year cycle) basis for officers that have completed the 24-hour basic SFST Course. Officers completing the 24-hour Basic Course will be credentialed for a period of two years. After the initial credential period expires, officer can renew their credentials by attending the four hour refresher course. All credentials are valid for a period of two years.

For more information, contact:

Kansas Highway Patrol Breath Alcohol Unit
Lt. Matt Payne, State DRE Program Coordinator
785-822-1765
Matthew.Payne@ks.gov