SFST Observation Skills 3

Question 1

During the HGN test, at what point does the officer check for 'onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees'?

Accepted Answer

While moving the stimulus slowly from center toward the side

Answer

The officer checks for onset prior to 45 degrees during the lateral pass, moving the stimulus slowly from center toward the edge of the visual field.

Question 2

A suspect on the One-Leg Stand test puts their foot down twice and sways but does not hop. How many clues are scored?

Accepted Answer

Two clues (puts foot down counts once, plus swaying)

Answer

Puts foot down is scored as one clue regardless of frequency, and swaying is a separate clue, for a total of two clues.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the 'divided attention' concept in SFST administration?

Accepted Answer

To test the ability to perform mental and physical tasks simultaneously, which is impaired by alcohol

Answer

Divided attention tests reveal impairment because alcohol degrades the ability to perform simultaneous mental and physical tasks.

Question 4

If a suspect wears bifocals or trifocals, how should the officer adjust the HGN test?

Accepted Answer

Have the suspect remove glasses before testing

Answer

NHTSA guidelines recommend having suspects remove glasses before the HGN test, as bifocals can interfere with proper eye tracking observation.

Question 5

During the Walk-and-Turn test, a suspect stops walking midway through the first nine steps. The officer should:

Accepted Answer

Score a clue for stopping while walking and allow the suspect to continue

Answer

Stopping while walking is a scorable clue, and the officer allows the suspect to continue to gather additional observations.

(SFST) Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified Practice Test