WALK THIS WAY, MADAM, FOR THE DRUG TEST
By Nigel Bunyan

THE neglected art of standing on one leg and touching the tip of one's nose
are about to be revived, as police forces reintroduce Fifties-style
sobriety tests.

In the past such tests were used to trap drink-drivers. The new ones, which
are being combined with more modern techniques perfected in America, are
aimed at those suspected of driving while under the influence of drugs.

They reflect growing concern among police forces and road safety
organisations about the number of drug-affected drivers evading detection.
Such motorists will initially be breathalysed. If they pass this test and
officers still believe that they may have taken drugs, they will be asked
to complete a "field impairment test".

This breaks down into five separate manoeuvres, the majority of them made
more difficult for drug abusers to perfect by the varying instructions
given to them by police. The tests will be carried out by police officers
trained in techniques adapted from those used by Los Angeles police for 20
years.

Those taking them will not have to fail a specific number before facing the
likelihood of prosecution. Instead, police officers will make a judgment
based on their overall performance. If they suspect that the motorist is
under the influence of drugs, he or she will be examined by a police
surgeon to ensure that there are no medical reasons for the poor performance.

A blood or urine sample will then be taken and, if positive, a charge of
driving while under the influence of drugs will be brought. The charge
carries the same maximum penalties as drink-driving: a 5,000 pounds fine,
six months in jail and 12 months' disqualification. Chief Insp Tony
Bateman, who is heading the initiative in Derbyshire, said yesterday:
"Government research has shown that in the past 10 years there has been a
fourfold increase in fatal road accidents in which drugs were proved to be
a contributory factor."

Despite the considerable success police have had in dissuading people from
drink-driving, disturbingly large numbers continue to drive after taking
drugs.

Chief Insp Bateman, who has tried the tests, is confident that they will
catch offenders. He is particularly enthusiastic about the Romburg test,
which requires drivers to concentrate on more than one thing at the same
time. "Even when you are completely sober it can be a bit difficult," he
said. While American patrol officers are expected to nominate the drug
group they suspect, there will be no such requirement for their British
counterparts.

Sgt Dave Constantine, who is based at Chesterfield, said: "We have had the
breathalyser for alcohol since 1967 but nothing for drugs. Yet it is just
as dangerous to drive with drugs in your system as it is with alcohol.
These tests are simple, but they will catch people out. The Americans do
not have a breathalyser, so they have been using them to test for both
drink and drugs. For us, it is an extra hurdle people have to get over. I
have been very impressed."

The Derbyshire force is one of six chosen to run a month-long pilot scheme.
The others are Cleveland, Northamptonshire, North Wales, South Wales and
Strathclyde. If, as expected, the trial is a success, it will be extended
nationwide.

THE TESTS

* The Pupil Test. An examination of the suspect's eyes. Such drugs as
cannabis tend to make pupils enlarge, while opiates like heroin make them
contract.

* The Romburg Test. The suspect is asked to stand with his/her feet
together, close their eyes with their head tipped back and decide when 30
seconds have elapsed.

* The Walk and Turn. This involves the suspect trying to walk in a straight
line, turn round heel to toe, and walk back counting each step aloud.

* The One-Legged Stand. The suspect stands with one leg straight and the
toes pointing forward. The other leg is raised into the air, then held in
position for a set period of time. This exercise is repeated using the
other leg.

* Finger to Nose. Here the suspect is told to tilt his/her head back, then
touch his/her nose with whichever index finger is indicated by the police
officer.