In South Carolina, law enforcement officers undergo various levels of training to detect impaired drivers and enforce DUI laws. While the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) are widely known and used, some officers receive specialized training under the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) program. This additional training equips officers with tools to detect impairment not only from alcohol but also from drugs or a combination of substances.
ARIDE-certified officers bring a heightened level of expertise to DUI investigations, which can have significant implications for individuals charged with impaired driving. Understanding the ARIDE program, the tests it incorporates, and its role in DUI enforcement can help you better navigate these cases.
What Is ARIDE Training?
The ARIDE program was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to bridge the gap between standard DUI detection training and the more advanced training given to Drug Recognition Experts (DREs). ARIDE provides officers with enhanced skills to recognize impairment from a wider range of substances, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and illegal drugs.
In South Carolina, ARIDE-certified officers are often called upon in cases where impairment by drugs—or a combination of alcohol and drugs—is suspected. They are trained to identify physiological and behavioral indicators of impairment that may not be evident through alcohol-based testing alone.
Key Components of ARIDE Training
The ARIDE course spans 16 hours and includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises. The training focuses on the following areas:
Drug Categories and Effects:
Officers learn to identify the seven categories of drugs recognized by the NHTSA and understand how each category affects the body and behavior:- Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants
- CNS Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
- Dissociative Anesthetics
- Narcotic Analgesics
- Inhalants
- Cannabis
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Impairment:
Officers are trained to recognize physical and mental signs of impairment specific to each drug category. For example, pinpoint pupils are often associated with opioid use, while dilated pupils and exaggerated movements may indicate stimulant use.Review of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs):
ARIDE training reinforces proper administration of the SFSTs—the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Walk-and-Turn test, and the One-Leg Stand test. Officers also learn to recognize drug-induced nystagmus, which may differ from alcohol-related nystagmus.Introduction of Additional Observations and Tests:
ARIDE-trained officers utilize specialized tests and observations to detect impairment that may not be revealed by the SFSTs. These include:- Lack of Convergence (LOC): A test in which the officer moves a stimulus toward the subject's nose to determine whether the eyes converge (cross). A failure to converge can indicate impairment by certain drugs, particularly CNS depressants, inhalants, or cannabis.
- Modified Romberg Balance Test: This test assesses the subject’s ability to estimate the passage of time and maintain balance. It can reveal impairment from drugs that affect perception, coordination, or the central nervous system.
Recognizing Medical Conditions:
Officers are trained to distinguish between impairment caused by substances and symptoms of medical conditions that may mimic impairment, such as diabetic episodes, neurological disorders, or fatigue.Role of Drug Recognition Experts (DREs):
ARIDE emphasizes the importance of collaboration with DREs. ARIDE-trained officers are not certified to conduct a full DRE evaluation but are trained to identify when a DRE should be called to conduct a more comprehensive examination.
Implications for DUI Defense
The presence of an ARIDE-trained officer in a DUI case can add complexity to the defense. Their training enables them to testify about drug-related impairment and observations that go beyond alcohol-related signs. However, their conclusions are not infallible, and their observations can be challenged in several ways:
- Improper Administration: The additional tests, such as Lack of Convergence and the Modified Romberg test, must be conducted correctly and under proper conditions. Any deviations from training protocols can undermine their reliability.
- Subjectivity: Observations made during ARIDE testing are often subjective and open to interpretation. For example, signs like eyelid tremors or muscle rigidity could have non-drug-related explanations.
- Medical and Physical Conditions: Defenses can include presenting evidence of medical conditions, prescription medications, or physical limitations that may mimic signs of impairment.
- Training and Experience: The officer’s level of experience with ARIDE and the specific drugs in question can be scrutinized to determine whether their conclusions are supported by credible expertise.
The Role of ARIDE in DUI Investigations
ARIDE training enhances law enforcement’s ability to detect drug-related impairment, making it a powerful tool in DUI enforcement. However, it also introduces additional complexities that can be challenged in court. When ARIDE-trained officers are involved in a DUI investigation, their observations and conclusions are often heavily relied upon by the prosecution, making it crucial for the defense to thoroughly analyze every aspect of their testimony and the tests conducted.
Call Us Now
Facing a DUI charge involving an ARIDE-trained officer in South Carolina can be particularly challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr., LLC, we have extensive experience defending clients against DUI charges, including those involving complex drug impairment allegations. James Snell is the author of South Carolina DUI Defense: The Law and Practice and a certified NHTSA DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing instructor. He has successfully represented hundreds of clients in Lexington, Columbia, and throughout South Carolina. He has also completed a training course based on the NHTSA curriculum for Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE).
Don’t let a DUI charge derail your future. Call us today at (803) 359-3301 for a free consultation. We will act swiftly to protect your rights, your license, and your reputation, and we’ll develop a defense strategy tailored to your unique case.