Field sobriety tests (FSTs) are a set of standardized physical and cognitive tests used by law enforcement officers to determine if a suspect is impaired by drugs or alcohol. These tests are conducted on the roadside during a traffic stop or at a sobriety checkpoint. While the stated purpose of FSTs is to determine impairment, it is widely acknowledged that their primary goal is to gather concrete evidence that can be used against the suspect in court.
FSTs serve several important purposes for law enforcement. Firstly, they provide officers with a quick and immediate assessment of a suspect's level of impairment. This assessment can help them make an initial determination on whether to proceed with further testing or take appropriate action. Additionally, FSTs can be used to gather evidence to establish probable cause for an arrest. By observing a suspect's performance on these tests, officers can gather objective evidence that supports their suspicion of impairment.
The results of FSTs can also be used as evidence in court to establish the suspect's level of impairment. Prosecutors often rely on the results of these tests to build a case against the defendant. The standardized nature of FSTs allows for consistency and reliability in assessing impairment across different jurisdictions.
However, it is important to note that FSTs have faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some argue that these tests are not always accurate indicators of impairment and can be subjective in nature. Factors such as weather conditions, physical disabilities, and nervousness can affect an individual's performance on these tests, potentially leading to false conclusions.
Personal experiences and anecdotes can shed light on the real-world implications of FSTs. For example, I have encountered instances where individuals who were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol were subjected to FSTs due to suspicion by law enforcement officers. In some cases, individuals who were fatigued, had medical conditions, or were simply nervous performed poorly on the tests, leading to their wrongful arrest or unwarranted suspicion.
While the stated purpose of field sobriety tests is to determine impairment, their primary function is to gather tangible evidence for use against the suspect. FSTs provide law enforcement officers with valuable information to assess a suspect's level of impairment, establish probable cause for an arrest, and support a case in court. However, it is important to consider the limitations and potential for subjectivity in these tests, as they may not always accurately reflect an individual's level of impairment.