2. Demonstrations and Instructions for the
Balance and Counting Stage
Explain the test requirements, using the
following verbal instructions, accompanied by demonstrations:
“When I tell you to start, raise one leg,
either leg, approximately six inches off the ground, foot pointed out.”
(Demonstrate one leg stance.)
• “You must keep both legs straight,
arms at your side.”
• “While holding that position, count
out loud in the following manner: “one thousand and one, one thousand and
two, one thousand and three, until told to stop.” (Demonstrate a count, as
follows: “one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and
three, etc.” Officer should not look at his foot when conducting the
demonstration—OFFICER SAFETY.)
• “Keep your arms at your sides at all
times and keep watching the raised foot.”
• “Do you understand?” (Make sure
suspect indicates understanding.)
• “Go ahead and perform the test.”
(Officer should always time the 30 seconds. Test should be discontinued
after 30 seconds.)
Observe the suspect from a safe distance, if
the suspect puts the foot down, give instructions to pick the foot up again
and continue counting from the point at which the foot touched the ground. If
the suspect counts very slowly, terminate the test after 30 seconds.
3. Test Interpretation
You may observe a number of different
behaviors when a suspect performs this test. The original research found the
behaviors listed below are the most likely to be observed in someone with a
BAC above 0.10. Look for the following clues each time the One-Leg Stand test
is administered.
A. The suspect sways while balancing. This
refers to side-to-side or back- and-forth motion while the suspect maintains
the one-leg stand position.
B. Uses arms for balance. Suspect moves
arms 6 or more inches from the side of the body in order to keep balance.
