SFST Walk and Turn 3

Question 1

How should the officer respond if the suspect begins walking before the instruction phase is complete during the Walk and Turn test?

Accepted Answer

Score it as a clue and allow the suspect to continue

Answer

Starting before instructions are finished is scored as the 'starts too soon' clue, and the officer allows the test to continue while noting the clue.

Question 2

During the return walk of the Walk and Turn test, the suspect takes 10 steps instead of 9. Which clue applies?

Accepted Answer

Incorrect number of steps

Answer

Taking any number of steps other than the instructed nine on either the outbound or return walk is recorded as 'incorrect number of steps.'

Question 3

What does it mean when a suspect 'misses heel-to-toe' during the Walk and Turn test?

Accepted Answer

There is a gap of more than half an inch between heel and toe

Answer

Missing heel-to-toe means the gap between the heel of the front foot and the toe of the back foot exceeds half an inch during any step.

Question 4

An officer notes that a suspect raised one arm slightly during the Walk and Turn but kept the other arm fully down. Is this scored as a clue?

Accepted Answer

Yes, raising one arm more than 2 inches counts as the clue

Answer

Raising either arm (or both) more than 2 inches from the sides at any point during the walk scores as the 'raises arms to balance' clue.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT one of the eight standardized clues in the Walk and Turn test?

Accepted Answer

Sways side to side while walking

Answer

Swaying side to side is not a distinct scored clue; the eight clues include losing balance during instructions, starts too soon, stops while walking, misses heel-to-toe, steps off the line, uses arms for balance, improper turn, and incorrect number of steps.

(SFST) Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified Practice Test

(SFST) Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certified Practice Test

SFST Walk and Turn 3