What phase occurs after an officer has decided to stop a vehicle?

After an officer has made the decision to stop a vehicle, the phase that follows is known as the Personal Contact Phase. During this critical phase, the officer approaches the vehicle and engages with the driver, which provides an opportunity to assess the driver's behavior and condition. The officer may observe specific signs of impairment, such as the driver's physical appearance, smell of alcohol, and overall demeanor. This interaction is essential in establishing whether further action, such as administering field sobriety tests or making an arrest, is warranted based on the observations made during this personal contact.

In contrast, the other phases are distinct parts of the overall DWI process. Pre-arrest Screening refers to the officer evaluating the circumstances before deciding whether an arrest is appropriate, while DWI Detention generally occurs when a driver is held for further testing or investigation. Initial Observations can involve the officer's first impressions upon noticing a potential DWI situation but precede direct engagement with the driver. Thus, the Personal Contact Phase is crucial for determining the next steps in the enforcement of DWI laws.