What kind of training do officers undergo to administer the HGN test?

Officers undergo specialized training in standardized field sobriety testing to administer the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. This training is crucial because it equips officers with the knowledge and skills required to accurately assess an individual's sobriety based on their eye movements. The HGN test is a specific procedure designed to identify signs of impairment that may not be apparent through observation alone or through more general law enforcement training.

Through this specialized training, officers learn the physiological basis of nystagmus, how to properly conduct the test, and how to interpret the results. This ensures that they can effectively measure the degree of impairment, which is vital for making informed decisions in the field regarding driving safety and the need for further sobriety testing. In contrast, other types of training listed, such as general law enforcement training, communication skills, or vehicle inspections, do not provide the focused instruction necessary to effectively administer and interpret the results of the HGN test.