MA Police Training Manual - OUI Stop Field Sobriety Tests
Next, check for onset
of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. Start
moving the stimulus towards the right (suspect’s
left eye) at a speed that would take
approximately four seconds for the stimulus to reach the edge of the suspect’s
shoulder. Watch the eye carefully for any sign of jerking. When you see it, stop
and verify that the jerking continues. Now, move the stimulus to the left
(suspect’s right eye) at a speed that would take approximately four seconds
for the stimulus to reach the edge of the suspect’s shoulder. Watch the eye
carefully for any sign of jerking. When you see it, stop and verify that the
jerking continues. Repeat the procedure. NOTE: It is important to use the full
four seconds when checking for onset of nystagmus. If you move the stimulus too
fast, you may go past the point of onset or miss it altogether.
If the suspect’s
eyes start jerking before they reach 45 degrees, check to see that some white of
the eye is still showing on the side closest to the ear. If no white of the eye
is showing, you either have taken the eve too far to the side (that is more than
45 degrees) or the person has unusual eyes that will not deviate very far to the
side.
ADMINISTRATIVE
PROCEDURES
1. EYEGLASSES
2. VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS
3. POSITION OBJECT (12-15 INCHES)
4. TRACKING
5. PUPIL SIZE
6. CHECK FOR LACK OF SMOOTH PURSUIT
7. CHECK FOR DIST. NYSTAGMUS @ MAX. DEV.
8. CHECK ONSET OF NYSTAGMUS PRIOR TO 45°
9. TOTAL THE CLUES
10. CHECK FOR VERTICAL GAZE NYSTAGMUS
NOTE: Nystagmus may be due to causes other than alcohol. These other causes
include seizure medications and some other drugs. A large disparity between the
performance of the right and left eye may indicate a medical condition.
Test Interpretation
You should look for three clues of nystagmus in each eye.
-
The eye cannot follow a moving object smoothly.
-
Nystagmus is distinct and sustained when the eye is held at maximum deviation
for a minimum of four seconds.
-
The angle of onset of nystagmus is prior to 45 degrees.
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