During which stage of the One-Leg Stand must the suspect maintain balance for 30 seconds?

The One-Leg Stand test is designed to assess a suspect's ability to maintain balance and coordination, which are often impaired by alcohol and other substances. The specific stage where the suspect must maintain balance for 30 seconds is the balance stage. In this phase, the individual stands on one leg while the other leg is raised six inches off the ground. The purpose of this segment is to evaluate their stability, allowing the officer to observe any signs of impairment, such as swaying, hopping, or using arms to balance.

The other stages, such as counting, walking, and turning, serve different purposes in the assessment process but do not involve the sustained balancing requirement of the One-Leg Stand. Counting involves the suspect reciting numbers, walking focuses on the suspect's ability to walk in a straight line, and turning assesses their coordination and ability to follow directions. Each component contributes to the overall evaluation during the SFST, but the critical point about maintaining balance for the 30 seconds is unique to the balance stage.