Documentation Flashcards

An officer administers the HGN test but fails to document the stimulus speed used. Why is this a problem?

Answer: Moving the stimulus too fast or slow can produce false clues, so speed must be noted to validate the test

The stimulus must be moved at approximately 2 seconds per pass for smooth pursuit and 4 seconds for maximum deviation, so documenting compliance with these rates validates the test results.

When an officer uses a body camera during SFST administration, how does this affect written documentation requirements?

Answer: Written documentation is still required because video may be lost, incomplete, or lack audio context

Video does not replace written documentation because recordings can be lost, corrupted, or lack the officer's real-time observations and professional interpretation.

What is the significance of documenting the subject's statement 'I only had two beers' in an SFST report?

Answer: It is an admission that may be compared to SFST performance and BAC evidence

The subject's self-reported alcohol consumption is a relevant admission that can be contrasted with observed clues and chemical test results during prosecution.

Which of the following is a consequence of an officer failing to document that a subject was instructed to keep arms at their sides during the One-Leg Stand?

Answer: Defense may argue improper administration, potentially invalidating the OLS clues

Failure to document that standardized instructions were given allows defense to challenge whether the test was administered correctly, undermining the reliability of observed clues.

How should an officer document a subject who stops and restarts the Walk-and-Turn test without being told to?

Answer: Note it as a 'stops while walking' clue, which is one of the 8 standardized WAT clues

Stopping while walking is one of the 8 standardized Walk-and-Turn clues and must be documented on the scoring sheet regardless of whether the subject recovers.

Why must the officer's opinion of impairment be stated separately from the SFST clue counts in the report?

Answer: Separating them distinguishes objective findings from professional interpretation, strengthening the report's credibility

Clearly separating objective clue observations from the officer's professional opinion allows the court to evaluate both the data and the professional interpretation independently.

A subject performs the HGN test but keeps closing one eye. How should this be documented?

Answer: Record the behavior as an observation affecting test validity and note clues observed in the open eye

The subject's non-cooperative behavior must be documented as an observation, and any clues observed in the eye that remained open should still be recorded.