MA Police Training Manual - OUI Stop Field Sobriety Tests
3. Test
Interpretation
You may observe a
number of different behaviors when a suspect performs this test. Original
research demonstrated that the behaviors listed below are likely to be observed
in someone with a BAC above 0.10. Look for the following clues each time this
test is given:
A. Cannot keep
balance while listening to the instructions. Two tasks are required at the
beginning of this test. The suspect must balance heel-to-toe on the line, and at
the same time, listen carefully to the instructions. Typically, the person who
is impaired can do only one of these things. The suspect may listen to the
instructions, but not keep balance. Record this clue if the suspect does not
maintain the heel-to-toe position throughout the instructions. (Feet must
actually break apart.) Do not record this clue if the suspect sways or uses the
arms to balance but maintains the heel-to-toe position.
B. Starts before
the instructions are finished. The impaired person may also keep balance,
but not listen to the instructions. Since you specifically instructed the
suspect not to start walking “until I tell you to begin,” record this clue
if the suspect does not wait.
C. Stops while
walking. The suspect pauses for several seconds. Do not record this clue if
the suspect is merely walking slowly.
D. Does not touch
heel-to-toe. The suspect leaves a space of more than one- inch between the
heel and toe on any step.
E. Steps off the
line. The suspect steps so that one foot is entirely off the line.
Procedures
for One-Leg Stand Testing
1. Instructions
Stage: Initial Positioning and Verbal Instructions
Initiate the test by giving the following verbal instructions, accompanied
by demonstrations.
• “Please
stand with your feet together and your arms down at the sides, like this.”
(Demonstrate)
• “Do not
start to perform the test until I tell you to do so.”
• “Do you
understand the instructions so far?” (Make sure suspect indicates
understanding.)
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