What is the primary role of the officer during the SFST?

The primary role of the officer during the Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST) is to administer the tests and evaluate the subject's performance objectively. This means that the officer is responsible for conducting the tests in a standardized manner, which helps ensure consistency and reliability in the evaluation process.

By objectively assessing the subject’s performance on tasks such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand, the officer can gather important evidence to support their observations and decisions regarding the subject’s level of impairment. This objective evaluation is crucial for establishing whether there is probable cause for further action, such as arrest.

In this context, the role of the officer is not about intimidating the subject, gathering witness statements, or deciding the legal outcome of the stop. Instead, the officer’s focus is specifically on the administration of the tests and making an impartial assessment based on the subject's ability to perform the tasks as instructed. This approach enhances the integrity of the testing process, ensuring it can withstand scrutiny in a legal setting.