What is phase 3 of a DWI investigation?

Phase 3 of a DWI investigation focuses on pre-arrest screening, which is a critical component in determining whether the officer has enough evidence to make an arrest for driving while intoxicated. During this phase, the officer makes observations of the driver’s behavior, interactions, and performance on standard field sobriety tests.

In this phase, officers assess signs of impairment through various cues, such as the driver’s ability to follow instructions, their coordination, and their general demeanor. The results from this phase help the officer decide whether to proceed with an arrest based on the evidence collected during the first two phases—vehicle in motion and personal contact. This systematic approach ensures that the investigation is thorough and based on observable and testable indicators of impairment, guiding the officer in making informed decisions about drunk driving enforcement.