What is required after an SFST indicates significant clues of impairment?

After an SFST indicates significant clues of impairment, it is essential to conduct further investigation, which typically includes breath or blood tests. This step is crucial because the results from the SFST serve as preliminary evidence suggesting impairment due to alcohol or drugs. Confirmatory testing through breath or blood analysis provides a quantitative measure of a subject's blood alcohol content or the presence of controlled substances.

This subsequent testing is vital for establishing a legal basis for any actions taken against the individual, whether that involves arrest or other legal proceedings. It also ensures that law enforcement adheres to established protocols and evidentiary standards, safeguarding the integrity of the investigation and any potential prosecution that may follow.

While immediate arrest and booking might seem appropriate in some situations, especially when there are clear signs of danger to the public or the individual, the correct procedural flow emphasizes the importance of additional testing to substantiate the findings from the SFST. Similarly, releasing a subject with a warning or providing a verbal warning for infractions is not appropriate when significant impairment is indicated, as it could compromise public safety and fails to address the underlying issue of potential intoxication. Therefore, further investigation through breath or blood tests is a necessary and prudent measure following the initial signs of impairment.