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Volunteers Get Drunk to Help Police

WILLIAMSPORT — It’s not often police ask people to get drunk, but they did Tuesday in Williamsport. Volunteer drinkers spent part of the morning int...

WILLIAMSPORT -- It's not often police ask people to get drunk, but they did Tuesday in Williamsport. Volunteer drinkers spent part of the morning intoxicated so that officers could put their training to the test.

A couple months ago police in Williamsport asked people to volunteer to take part in a DUI testing class. Volunteers would drink and eat for free. The catch: once volunteers were drunk they would have to undergo a field sobriety test.

Ten strangers quickly became friends. They were playing cards and taking pictures, all while sipping on alcoholic mixed drinks inside the National Guard Armory in Williamsport.

"It would have been better if it was a mimosa, but it's a good thing," said Sherri Jackson.

Volunteers drank for free and helped police officers as part of a DUI training course sponsored by police in Williamsport.

"Well what they are here for is to learn how to properly identify and arrest a person under the influence of either alcohol or a controlled substance," said Tim Winters from Institute for Law Enforcement Education.

About 20 officers spent the morning in a classroom. Meanwhile, down the hall instructors monitored the volunteer drinkers including Sherri Jackson.

"I'm two drinks in and I feel like I cannot drive. I will not drive. How can people do it? No clue,” said Jackson.

By her third drink, Sherri was ready for a nap. Officers were ready to test the volunteers.

There is no real consequence for volunteers who can't walk the straight line and end up failing the sobriety test here, but officers say in real life if someone were to be charged with a DUI, they could face jail time.

"A little intimidating and educating, you don't realize how hard it is to these tests unless you are under the influence,” said Robin Enderle from Linden.

Robin Enderle had some trouble keeping her balance.

"I knew immediately that I had failed the test, so it will definitely make me think twice when I'm out drinking," said Enderle.

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