What is a common mistake made by officers when administering SFSTs?

Failing to provide clear instructions to the subject is a common mistake made by officers when administering Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). Clarity in instructions is crucial as it ensures that the subject understands precisely what is expected of them during the tests. If instructions are vague or confusing, it can lead to improper performance due to misunderstandings rather than actual impairment. This can skew the results of the assessments and potentially lead to incorrect conclusions about the subject's sobriety.

Moreover, clear instructions help to establish a standardized testing environment, which is essential for the validity of the tests. Officers must articulate their commands in a straightforward manner to eliminate ambiguity and to make the testing process fair and reliable. In this context, poor communication can undermine the integrity of the SFSTs and affect the outcome of DUI evaluations.