Driving While Impaired (DWI) Unit

The DWI Unit works to reduce impaired driving and protect the public through proactive policing. The unit focuses on decreasing vehicle crashes caused by alcohol or drug use and preventing related fatalities. Its enforcement efforts focus on preventing serious, avoidable roadway tragedies.

The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) established the unit with support from the Governor's Highway Safety Program GHSP. A GHSP grant provided funding for equipment, training, and the unit's operational launch. The partnership helps the unit support statewide traffic safety goals.

Targeted Patrols, Training

The unit conducts targeted patrols and seatbelt initiatives across Raleigh. It also plays a key role in training within the department. Members provide instruction at the Police Academy and conduct refresher courses for existing personnel. They also provide training to ensure officers remain proficient in impaired driving detection, testing protocols, and courtroom readiness.

The unit has three members (one sergeant and two officers). Every member is certified in:

Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST)
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE)
Chemical analysis
Preliminary Breath Testing (PBT)

They also hold Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) credentials. That means they are trained to accurately identify impairments due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both.

This unit falls under our Hospitality District.

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Driving While Impaired (DWI) Unit

Targeted Patrols, Training

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