Observation Skills Flashcards

A suspect informs the officer they have a glass eye. How should the officer proceed with the HGN test?

Answer: Administer HGN on the functioning eye only and note the condition

NHTSA guidelines allow the HGN to be administered using the functioning eye only, and the officer should document the condition.

When the officer is observing the suspect perform the One-Leg Stand and the suspect hops to maintain balance, what clue is scored?

Answer: Hopping

Hopping is one of the four scored clues on the One-Leg Stand test and is scored when the suspect hops on the standing foot.

Under NHTSA guidelines, what is the recommended order for administering the three standardized SFSTs?

Answer: HGN, WAT, OLS

NHTSA recommends administering HGN first, followed by Walk-and-Turn, and then One-Leg Stand, in that specific order.

An officer observes a suspect who smells strongly of alcohol, has bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech, but performs all three SFSTs with no clues. What should the officer conclude?

Answer: All observations, including pre-test indicators, should be considered together in forming an opinion

SFSTs are one tool among many; the officer should consider all observations, including physical signs and behavior, when forming an opinion of impairment.

Which environmental condition is most likely to affect the validity of the Walk-and-Turn and One-Leg Stand tests?

Answer: A sloped or uneven surface

A sloped or uneven surface can impair the suspect's balance independent of impairment, potentially invalidating WAT and OLS results.

During the instruction phase of the Walk-and-Turn, the officer tells the suspect 'Do not start until I tell you to.' The suspect begins walking during instructions. The officer should:

Answer: Score a clue for starts before instructions are finished and continue observation

Starting before being told to do so is one of the eight scored clues for the Walk-and-Turn test; the officer scores it and continues observing.

An officer suspects a subject may have a medical condition affecting their ability to perform the Walk-and-Turn. What is the best course of action?

Answer: Note the condition, ask if it affects balance or walking, and document the response before proceeding

The officer should ask about any conditions affecting balance or walking, document the suspect's response, and factor it into the interpretation of test results.