What is one of the first signs of impairment often observed by officers?

Difficulty maintaining balance or coordination is one of the first signs of impairment that officers are trained to observe. When individuals consume alcohol or drugs, their motor skills and physical coordination can be significantly affected. This can result in an inability to walk in a straight line, maintaining a stable stance, or performing tasks that require fine motor skills.

Observing someone struggle with balance can be indicative of their impairment level, signaling to law enforcement that further assessment is necessary. While altered speech patterns, delayed reaction times, and slurred speech can also be signs of impairment, they might not be as immediately observable as physical signs like balance issues. Often, balance and coordination are among the most apparent characteristics that officers can witness directly during initial interactions.