Investigation of DUI Cases: Non-Standardized FST Hand Pat
The Hand Pat is a non-standardized field sobriety test (FST).
Non-standardized FST’s do not have scientific data supporting their use for the purpose of indicating alcohol impairment.
Method
The subject is instructed to extend either hand in front of them, palm side up. The other hand is placed palm side down, on top of the first hand. The subject is instructed to alternate the hand’s positions, in a smooth motion, counting aloud, until instructed to stop.
Clues
1) Subject starts too soon 2) Subject unable to follow instructions 3) Subject does not count as instructed 4) Subject does not pat hand as instructed. Instead of a smooth motion, the officer will note that the hands “clapped” or “chopped” or moved too slowly. 5) Subject stopped before instructed
Scoring
Because this test is non-standardized, there is no scientifically-backed scoring system to accurately determine how many clues it takes to “fail” this test. Therefore, whether or not the subject passes or fails is subjective to the officer administering the test and not reliable. By: DARREN KAVINOKY