Tipsy volunteers boost police training

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - It's easy spot that driver who's so plowed he's all over the road, but what about the driver who's walking the fine line between buzzed and drunk?

That's why it's tipsy time at the New Mexico State Police Friday night. Training officers are working with police cadets hoping the knowledge gained in class could save someone's life.

For most people, going through a DWI test is a scary thing. These volunteers, though, knocked back a few knowing they would be tested.

State Police cadets called one-on-one training is invaluable.

“We actually see what the instructors are talking about," Cadet Tony Fetty told KRQE News 13.

Some volunteers are blitzed, while others haven't even had a sip.
“I would guess a 0.14,” Fetty said of one unstable volunteer.

He was close. She blew a 0.18 before being tested by cadets.

Under New Mexico law a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 is presumed evidence of intoxication although a field sobriety test may prove impairment at lower levels.

While the woman showed obvious signs, another volunteer had the same blood alcohol level while staying much more composed. Instructors say everyone handles their alcohol differently.

“It's going to make a difference if you are male or female," Lt. Eric Garcia said. "It’s going to make a difference in how much alcohol they had and how quickly they drank it.”

As cadets perform the test instructors stay close by. They work to make sure the cadets don't or rush anything.

Pretty soon these cadets are going to out on their own. Garcia said they need to be able to identify a driver who's only had one too many.

“We look for the 0.08 because those are the ones we target," he said. "Those are the ones we want to get off the street real bad.”

This was the third night of DWI training for these State Police cadets. All of the volunteers got a safe ride home from State Police officers.