ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The 316th Security Forces Squadron reminds drivers of the punishments for driving while under the influence of alcohol at any time.
Since January there have been four individuals charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, said Staff Sgt. Matt J. Colomo, 316 SFS Reports and Analysis NCO. But, luckily there have been zero accidents.
Security forces members use several methods to detect whether a person is intoxicated or not.
"There are three phases to a DUI," said Senior Airman Lora B. White, 316 SFS Crime Prevention coordinator.
- Phase 1 is vehicle in motion; this establishes probable cause for the stop and indications that the driver may be impaired, such as erratic driving or without headlights at night.
- Phase 2 is personal contact; the patrolman will smell alcohol, see normal signs of a DUI and hear slurred speech. The patrolman may also see open containers.
- Phase 3 is pre-apprehension screening; this is the field sobriety testing phase. It includes horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk and turn test and the one-leg stand. The portable breathalyzer test is also included in this phase.
"If the driver is deemed unfit after all of the testing, they are then transported to the law enforcement desk to take the Intoximeter EC/IR test, which shows scientific evidence of breath alcohol content."
Military members who are found to be under the influence of alcohol may be charged with Article 111, drunk or reckless driving.
After being processed at the law enforcement desk, several actions may occur to a person who has been found driving under the influence of alcohol.
"Military personnel may face a one-year revocation of base driving privileges and whatever else the court or commander determines," said Sergeant Colomo. "Military personnel must also attend an eight-hour alcohol awareness seminar at the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Training office prior to getting their installation driving privileges back."
For military personnel, commanders may impose any other necessary disciplinary actions.
Civilians will also have their base driving privileges revoked for one year, and may appear in magistrate court.
Military dependents and civilians must also attend an off base course in order to get their base driving privileges reinstated.
Offenders may have to attend other classes, which are issued by a judge during a hearing, said Sergeant Colomo.