TPS Drug & Alcohol Awareness 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What indicators might suggest that a person encountered by a security officer is under the influence of alcohol?
- Slurred speech, unsteady gait, strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and impaired coordination (Correct answer)
- Pale skin, rapid speech, dilated pupils, and increased energy
- Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, and cold extremities only
- Excessive sweating, high fever, and muscle rigidity
Correct answer: Slurred speech, unsteady gait, strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and impaired coordination
Classic signs of alcohol intoxication include slurred speech, unsteady gait, alcohol odor, bloodshot eyes, and impaired coordination.
Recognizing alcohol intoxication is an important skill for security officers. Observable indicators include: slurred speech; unsteady walking; strong alcoholic odor on breath or clothing; bloodshot or watery eyes; flushed face; impaired judgment; and inappropriate behavior. Officers should call EMS if they are concerned about a person's safety.
Question 2: Under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC), what is a security officer's general duty when working at a licensed establishment?
- To help the establishment comply with TABC regulations, including refusing service to intoxicated persons and preventing minors from consuming alcohol (Correct answer)
- To enforce all state criminal laws on behalf of TABC
- To arrest any person who violates TABC on the premises
- To conduct sobriety testing on all patrons using certified equipment
Correct answer: To help the establishment comply with TABC regulations, including refusing service to intoxicated persons and preventing minors from consuming alcohol
Security officers at licensed establishments assist with TABC compliance by monitoring for and addressing intoxicated patrons, checking IDs to prevent underage drinking, and maintaining order.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC) regulates the sale and service of alcohol in Texas. Security officers at bars, restaurants, and event venues play an important role in helping the establishment comply with TABC requirements, which include not serving alcohol to minors (under 21) and not serving alcohol to persons who are visibly intoxicated.
Question 3: What is 'dram shop liability' and how does it relate to security officers working at venues that serve alcohol?
- Legal liability for an establishment that serves alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then causes harm — security officers can help prevent this by identifying and addressing intoxicated patrons (Correct answer)
- A federal excise tax on alcohol served in commercial establishments
- A TABC inspection program for licensed premises
- A law that prohibits security officers from consuming alcohol on duty
Correct answer: Legal liability for an establishment that serves alcohol to an obviously intoxicated person who then causes harm — security officers can help prevent this by identifying and addressing intoxicated patrons
Dram shop liability holds establishments responsible for harms caused by intoxicated patrons they served. Security officers who identify and address intoxicated patrons help protect the establishment from this liability.
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code §2.02 (the Texas Dram Shop Act) allows injury victims to sue establishments that served alcohol to a clearly intoxicated person who then caused harm. Security officers working at bars, restaurants, and event venues who monitor for and address intoxicated patrons directly reduce this liability risk.
Question 4: What are the physical indicators that might suggest a person is under the influence of stimulant drugs?
- Dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, excessive sweating, agitation, rapid speech, and erratic behavior (Correct answer)
- Constricted pupils, slow breathing, drowsiness, and pale skin
- Slurred speech, unsteady gait, and flushed face
- Jaundice, confusion, and abdominal pain
Correct answer: Dilated pupils, increased heart rate and blood pressure, excessive sweating, agitation, rapid speech, and erratic behavior
Stimulants cause physiological arousal: dilated pupils, elevated heart rate/blood pressure, sweating, agitation, rapid speech, and potentially violent or erratic behavior.
Stimulant drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine, amphetamines) increase central nervous system activity. Observable signs of stimulant use include: dilated pupils; rapid, pressured speech; agitation or extreme anxiety; sweating; hyperactivity; grinding teeth; and potentially paranoid or violent behavior. Persons under the influence of stimulants may be unpredictable and dangerous.
Question 5: What observable signs might indicate that a person is under the influence of opioids or sedative drugs?
- Pinpoint pupils, drowsiness or unconsciousness, slow breathing, slurred speech, and limpness (Correct answer)
- Dilated pupils, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and extreme agitation
- Red eyes, increased appetite, slowed reaction time, and laughter
- High fever, muscle rigidity, and rapid pulse only
Correct answer: Pinpoint pupils, drowsiness or unconsciousness, slow breathing, slurred speech, and limpness
Opioids and sedatives depress the central nervous system: pinpoint pupils, extreme drowsiness, slow breathing, slurred speech, and physical limpness are characteristic signs.
Opioids (heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) and sedatives depress the central nervous system. Key signs include: pinpoint (very small) pupils; extreme drowsiness; slow, shallow breathing (potentially life-threatening); slurred speech; loss of coordination; and limpness. An opioid overdose may present as unresponsive with very slow or absent breathing — this is a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate EMS.
Question 6: When a security officer suspects a patron is intoxicated and needs assistance, what is the most appropriate initial action?
- Approach calmly, identify yourself, assess the person's condition, and offer assistance — call EMS if there are signs of medical distress (Correct answer)
- Immediately call police to remove the person from the premises
- Physically remove the person from the establishment as quickly as possible
- Ignore the person unless they become violent
Correct answer: Approach calmly, identify yourself, assess the person's condition, and offer assistance — call EMS if there are signs of medical distress
A calm, professional approach assesses the situation and offers assistance. Medical distress or severe intoxication warrants calling EMS.
The appropriate response to an intoxicated patron: (1) Approach calmly and non-confrontationally; (2) Identify yourself as security; (3) Assess the person's condition; (4) If there are signs of medical distress, call EMS immediately; (5) If medically stable, work to safely remove them from the establishment and ensure they have a safe way home — do not send them to drive themselves.
TPS Drug & Alcohol Awareness 1
What indicators might suggest that a person encountered by a security officer is under the influence of alcohol?