Massachusetts DWI DUI OUI Field Sobriety Test Police Training Manual

Give the suspect the following instructions from a safe position. (FOR
OFFICER SAFETY KEEP YOUR WEAPON AWAY FROM THE
SUSPECT):

• “I am going to check your eyes.”
• “Keep your head still and follow this stimulus with your eyes only.”
• “Keep following the stimulus with your eyes until I tell you to stop.”

Position the stimulus approximately 12-15 inches from the suspect’s nose and slightly above eye level. You may observe Resting Nystagmus at this time. Check the suspect’s eyes for the ability to track together. Move the stimulus smoothly across the suspect’s entire field of vision. Check to see if the eyes track the stimulus together or one lags behind the other. If the eyes don’t track together it could indicate a possible medical disorder, injury, or blindness.

Next, check to see that both pupils are equal in size. If they are not, this may indicate a head injury.

Check the suspect’s left eye by moving the stimulus to
your right. Move the stimulus smoothly, at a speed that
requires approximately two seconds to bring the suspect’s
eye as far to the side as it can go. While moving the
stimulus, look at the suspect’s eye and determine whether
it is able to pursue smoothly. Now, move the stimulus all
the way to the left, back across suspect’s face checking if
the right eye pursues smoothly. Movement of the stimulus
should take approximately two seconds out and two seconds
back for each eye. Repeat the procedure.

After you have checked both eyes for lack of smooth pursuit, check the eyes for distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation beginning with the suspect’s left eye. Simply move the object to the suspect’s left side until the eye has gone as far to the side as possible. Usually, no white will be showing in the corner of the eye at maximum deviation. Hold the eye at that position for a minimum of four seconds, and observe the eye for distinct and sustained nystagmus. Move the stimulus all the way across the suspect’s face to check the right eye holding that position for a minimum of four seconds. Repeat the procedure.

Note: Fatigue Nystagmus. This type of nystagmus may begin if a subject’s eyes are held at maximum deviation for more than 30 seconds.

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