If you thought this was an April Fool’s joke, you’re not alone. But it’s not.
The Phoenixville Police Department is actively looking for volunteers to participate in something called a “wet lab” training and yes, it involves drinking alcohol provided by the department.
What’s Going On?
What’s Going On?
The department is hosting training sessions from May 5 through May 7, running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The goal is to help officers improve how they conduct field sobriety tests—those roadside evaluations used to determine if someone is impaired. And the best way to train for that?
Real people. Real impairment. Controlled environment.
Volunteers will consume alcohol under supervision and be evaluated throughout the process as they gradually reach different levels of intoxication.
What Volunteers Should Know
What Volunteers Should Know
There are a few important ground rules:
- You must be 21 or older
- You cannot drink before arriving
- You’ll be monitored throughout the session
- You must have a ride home arranged (no exceptions)
The department is providing alcohol and snacks during the training.
Why This Actually Matters
It might sound unusual, but this type of training is widely used across law enforcement. Field sobriety tests rely heavily on observation, things like balance, eye movement, coordination, and response to instructions. Training with real volunteers helps officers better understand how impairment actually presents in real-world situations.
As one department noted, the most effective way to learn these procedures is by working with “actual intoxicated subjects.” In other words, this isn’t about free drinks—it’s about improving accuracy, safety, and decision-making during DUI stops.
A Unique Way to Give Back
Phoenixville has never been short on community involvement, and this is certainly one of the more unconventional ways to contribute. If you’re interested (and responsible enough to handle it), you can reach out to Officer Matthew Fusco to sign up using the application here and learn more about participating.
Not your typical volunteer opportunity but definitely one that gets people talking.