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GET TRAINED on how to properly instruct, perform short examples, and observe the subject while performing the tests. I used the finger-to-nose, heel-to-toe walk, one-leg-stand, horizontal gaze nystagmus.
- BE CONSISTANT. Do not divert from the tests in any way. If you tell one suspect to take small steps to turn around at the end of the 9 step walk and you tell another one to pivot on one foot. They will rip you up in court.
- Make sure you include these words at the beginning of the tests: “Do you have any physical disabilities that would prevent you from performing these tests?” If they do, log it in your field notes and adapt the correct test to suit the disability. You could substitute verbal communication skill tests instead of the physical tests. If they say they do not, continue... “I want you to stand right there, (point at the ground a good level solid surface), and do nothing while you watch me perform each of the tests I am going to ask you to do. This IS part of the test. I am going to explain each of the tests while I perform them. Do YOU understand? If they say they understand, step away from the suspect a few feet and start with the first test.
- Keep a watchful eye out for danger to yourself or the subject. If the suspected DUI starts performing the tests while you are, that is a partial failure of the test.