SFST Walk and Turn 2

Question 1

During the Walk and Turn instruction stage, the suspect must maintain the heel-to-toe stance while the officer gives instructions for how long?

Accepted Answer

Until the officer says 'begin'

Answer

The suspect must hold the heel-to-toe stance throughout the entire instruction phase until the officer gives the command to begin walking.

Question 2

Which clue is observed when a suspect takes more than the instructed number of steps on either leg during the Walk and Turn test?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect number of steps

Answer

Taking more or fewer than the instructed nine steps on either the outbound or return walk is scored as an 'incorrect number of steps' clue.

Question 3

What is the primary reason the Walk and Turn test requires the suspect to look at their feet while walking?

Accepted Answer

To divide attention between a physical and a mental task

Answer

Looking at the feet while walking divides attention between a cognitive task (counting) and a physical task (balance), exploiting the divided-attention demand of the test.

Question 4

A suspect turns correctly using small steps but uses their arms for balance during the pivot — how many clues does this represent?

Accepted Answer

1

Answer

Raising arms more than 2 inches from the sides during the turn counts as one clue (raises arms to balance); the turn itself is correct.

Question 5

NHTSA research indicates that the Walk and Turn test has approximately what validated accuracy rate in detecting BAC at or above 0.08%?

Accepted Answer

79%

Answer

NHTSA validation studies show the Walk and Turn test correctly classifies approximately 79% of subjects with a BAC at or above 0.08%.

(SFST) Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified Practice Test

(SFST) Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified Practice Test

SFST Walk and Turn 2