Final answer:
Police officers look for signs of erratic driving and physical indicators of impairment in a potentially impaired driver. However, profiling practices contribute to discriminatory stops, leading to unequal treatment before the law. Officers must rely on objective signs rather than prejudiced profiling.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first thing a police officer looks for in an impaired driver are signs of intoxication or impairment. These may include erratic driving, such as weaving or abrupt stops, as well as physical indicators from the driver once the vehicle is stopped, such as slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or the smell of alcohol. Police officers are trained to detect these cues very quickly as they approach a vehicle. However, it is also crucial to note that the practice of profiling, such as racial profiling, can unjustly influence the likelihood of being stopped, as has been observed in certain cases of Driving While Brown or Driving While Black.
In enforcing traffic laws and identifying impaired drivers, police have used various techniques to observe and evaluate suspects. These range from stationary checkpoints to random stops in designated Drug Intervention Zones. While public safety is the primary concern, issues arise when these practices lead to discrimination and disparities in police practices. Studies have shown racial bias in traffic stops and discriminatory treatment during pre-trial and sentencing phases, especially affecting Black and Hispanic individuals.
Efficient law enforcement relies on objective indicators of impairment and crime, rather than prejudiced profiling. It is mandatory for police officers to adhere to the principles of equal treatment before the law and avoid any approach that discriminates based on race, ethnicity, or any other non-relevant factors such as those described in cases of Driving While Brown or Driving While Black.