What should officers do if they observe the subject’s eyes moving smoothly during the HGN test?

What should officers do if they observe the subject’s eyes moving smoothly during the HGN test?

• A. Ignore it and continue with other tests.
• B. Document that the HGN showed no signs of impairment.
• C. Alert the subject to their eye movements.
• D. Advise the subject to stop drinking.

Answer: (B)

The appropriate action for officers observing the subject’s eyes moving smoothly during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test is to document that the HGN showed no signs of impairment. When a subject's eyes move smoothly, it indicates that there are no observable signs of nystagmus, which is often associated with impairment due to alcohol or other substances. Recording this observation is crucial as it reflects a thorough and accurate assessment of the subject's condition during the test, which is essential for legal and procedural documentation. Other options, such as ignoring the observation or alerting the subject, do not contribute to the accuracy or integrity of the testing process. Advising the subject to stop drinking is also not relevant in this context since the smoothness of eye movement suggests that their current level of consumption may not be causing impairment. Thus, the best practice is to document the results of the HGN test accurately, ensuring that the assessment reflects the subject's state during the evaluation.

The appropriate action for officers observing the subject’s eyes moving smoothly during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test is to document that the HGN showed no signs of impairment. When a subject's eyes move smoothly, it indicates that there are no observable signs of nystagmus, which is often associated with impairment due to alcohol or other substances. Recording this observation is crucial as it reflects a thorough and accurate assessment of the subject's condition during the test, which is essential for legal and procedural documentation.

Other options, such as ignoring the observation or alerting the subject, do not contribute to the accuracy or integrity of the testing process. Advising the subject to stop drinking is also not relevant in this context since the smoothness of eye movement suggests that their current level of consumption may not be causing impairment. Thus, the best practice is to document the results of the HGN test accurately, ensuring that the assessment reflects the subject's state during the evaluation.