What must officers ensure regarding the suspect's feet during the Walk-and-Turn test?

During the Walk-and-Turn test, a key component is that the suspect's feet must touch heel-to-toe as they perform the task. This specific requirement is designed to assess the participant's balance and coordination, which can be affected by intoxication. The heel-to-toe position is a critical measuring point that indicates whether a person has the necessary balance to walk a straight line when tested. If the suspect is unable to maintain this heel-to-toe alignment, it may suggest impairment.

The nature of this test hinges on the ability to follow precise instructions and maintain body control, making the heel-to-toe criterion essential to the evaluation of a suspect's sobriety. The other elements related to foot positioning do not serve to assess balance and coordination in the same way.