Which agency developed the SFST protocols?

The correct answer is that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) protocols. NHTSA is primarily focused on promoting safe and efficient transportation through research, education, and traffic safety programs, which directly includes the support of law enforcement in identifying impaired drivers. The SFST protocols were established based on scientific research and are designed to help officers determine if a driver is impaired by alcohol or drugs, ensuring a methodical and standardized approach to conducting field sobriety tests.

NHTSA’s research includes extensive data collection and analysis, which informs the development and validation of these testing protocols to enhance their reliability and effectiveness in real-world settings. This emphasis on evidence-based practices distinguishes NHTSA’s approach from other agencies that may focus on different aspects of law enforcement or transportation safety.

Agencies like the FBI and DEA have their own distinct mandates and areas of focus, which do not specifically address standardized field sobriety testing procedures. Similarly, while the Department of Transportation oversees numerous safety initiatives, it does not directly develop the SFST protocols as NHTSA does. Thus, NHTSA’s role in creating the SFST protocols is key to understanding their framework and application in field sobriety