Massachusetts DWI DUI OUI Field Sobriety Test Police Training Manual

C. Hopping. Suspect is able to keep one foot off the ground, but resorts to hopping in order to maintain balance.

D. Puts fool down. The suspect is not able to maintain the one-leg stand position, putting the foot down one or more times during the 30-second count.
Note: If suspect cannot do test or puts foot down three or more times, record as if all four clues were observed. Consideration should be given to terminating the test if the suspect cannot safely complete it.

Remember that time is critical in this test. The original research has shown a person with a BAC above 0.10 can maintain balance for up to 25 seconds, but seldom as long as 30.

If an individual shows two or more clues or fails to complete the One-Leg Stand, there is a good chance the BAC is above 0.10. Using that criterion, you will accurately classify 65% of the people you test as, to whether their BAC’s are above 0.10.

Observe the suspect from a safe distance and remain as motionless as possible during the test so as not to interfere. 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.

4. Test Conditions

One-Leg Stand requires a reasonably dry, hard, level, and non-slippery surface. Suspect’s safety should be considered at all times.

The original research indicated that certain individuals over 65 years of age, back, leg or middle ear problems, or people who are overweight by 50 or more pounds had difficulty performing this test. Individuals wearing heels more than 2 inches high should be given the opportunity to remove their shoes.

5. Taking-Field Notes on Suspects’ Performance of Field Sobriety Tests

For purposes of the arrest report and courtroom testimony, it is not enough to record the total number of clues on the three tests. The number of clues is important to the police officer in the field because it helps determine whether there is probable cause to arrest. But to secure a conviction, more descriptive evidence is needed.

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