What do officers need during the third phase of OUI enforcement?

During the third phase of OUI (Operating Under the Influence) enforcement, officers focus on pre-arrest screening procedures. This phase is essential for properly evaluating a driver's level of impairment and determining whether there is sufficient evidence to make an arrest for OUI.

Pre-arrest screening involves standardized field sobriety tests and other assessments that officers administer to gather objective data about the suspect's physical and cognitive abilities. The outcomes of these tests help law enforcement establish probable cause for arrest. In Maine, the process typically includes the administration of tests like the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walk-and-turn, and one-leg stand tests.

In contrast, the other options, such as emergency contacts, breathalyzer equipment, and a warrant for search, serve different purposes in the overall OUI enforcement process. Breathalyzer equipment is generally used following the decision to arrest, while a warrant is not universally required in OUI cases unless there are specific circumstances that warrant it, such as a refusal to take a blood or breath test. Emergency contacts are not pertinent to the immediate enforcement actions taken by officers in the context of OUI enforcement.

Thus, knowledge of pre-arrest screening procedures is crucial for officers to effectively carry out their duties and ensure that they adhere to