study fir ckurt

What are SFSTs designed to assess?

Impairment

Are SFSTs designed to identify a specific drug category?

No

What does HGN stand for?

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus

How many total HGN clues exist?

6

How many HGN clues indicate likely impairment?

4 of 6

What are the three HGN clue categories?

Lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees

What should be checked before HGN begins?

Equal pupil size, equal tracking, resting nystagmus, medical conditions/head injuries, ability to follow stimulus

How far should the HGN stimulus be held?

12–15 inches from the face and slightly above eye level

How long should maximum deviation be held during HGN?

Approximately 4 seconds

What is lack of smooth pursuit?

The eyes jerk instead of smoothly tracking the stimulus

What is distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation?

Visible jerking when eyes are held at maximum deviation

What is onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees?

Eye jerking begins before the eye reaches 45 degrees

What environmental factors can affect SFSTs?

Uneven pavement, weather, lighting, fatigue, injuries, footwear, age, medical conditions

Why is level ground important during SFSTs?

To reduce environmental factors affecting performance

What are the 8 Walk-and-Turn clues?

Cannot keep balance during instructions, starts too soon, stops while walking, misses heel-to-toe, steps off line, uses arms for balance, improper turn, incorrect number of steps

How many Walk-and-Turn clues indicate likely impairment?

2 or more

What constitutes “uses arms for balance” on Walk-and-Turn?

Arms raised more than approximately 6 inches from sides

What is the instructional position for Walk-and-Turn?

Heel-to-toe stance with arms at sides

What is considered missing heel-to-toe?

Gap greater than approximately one-half inch

What are the four One-Leg Stand clues?

Sways while balancing, uses arms for balance, hopping, puts foot down

How many One-Leg Stand clues indicate likely impairment?

2 or more

How long is the One-Leg Stand test timed for?

Approximately 30 seconds

What is the purpose of divided-attention tests?

To divide mental and physical attention simultaneously

Can emotional distress affect SFST performance?

Yes

Can fatigue affect SFST performance?

Yes

Can injuries affect SFST performance?

Yes

Can uneven pavement affect SFST performance?

Yes

What should an officer do if a subject claims injury?

Request medical evaluation if appropriate

Why was EMS requested in the Grace Behrend case?

Because she claimed she struck her head

What did EMS determine in the Grace Behrend case?

No significant injuries and she was cleared

What did the PBT show in the Grace Behrend case?

0.00 alcohol

Does a 0.00 PBT eliminate drug impairment?

No

What medications did Grace Behrend report taking?

Tizanidine, Lithium, Duloxetine, Adderall, Valium

What admission did Grace Behrend make regarding the crash?

She stated she was applying lip gloss while driving

Can distraction and impairment coexist?

Yes

What was the basis for probable cause in the Grace Behrend case?

Totality of circumstances and impairment indicators observed

What are examples of impairment indicators?

Poor balance, bloodshot watery eyes, SFST clues, delayed comprehension, divided attention impairment

Why is “totality of circumstances” important?

It explains that probable cause is based on all observations collectively

What is a good courtroom phrase for DUI probable cause?

Based on the totality of the circumstances and impairment indicators observed

Should officers volunteer extra information on the stand?

No

What should an officer do if they do not remember something?

State “I do not recall”

What should an officer avoid doing during testimony?

Guessing, arguing, rambling, volunteering information

How should an officer answer questions during cross examination?

Short, direct, truthful answers

Why is honesty important on the stand?

Credibility is critical to testimony

What is a strong answer if asked whether this was your first DUI?

I was trained and qualified to administer SFSTs and followed my training

What is a strong answer if asked whether you are a DRE?

I am not a DRE. I can testify to the impairment indicators I observed

What is a strong answer if asked about alternative causes for impairment indicators?

I considered those possibilities and continued my investigation based on the impairment indicators observed

What is a defense attorney trying to do during cross examination?

Test credibility, consistency, training, and observations

Why is concise testimony important?

Long answers create opportunities for cross examination

What should an officer focus on during testimony?

Observations and actions taken