When attempting to administer a field sobriety test, what is a good practice for the officer to follow?

Administering field sobriety tests (FSTs) at the scene is a good practice for officers because it allows for a comprehensive assessment of a driver's state of impairment in a real-world environment. Conducting these tests where the suspected impairment occurred provides context, as officers can assess not only the individual's performance on the tests but also observe their behavior and the overall circumstances of the situation.

By performing FSTs at the scene, officers can more accurately evaluate the suspect's balance, coordination, and cognitive functioning under conditions similar to those in which they were driving. This immediate environment is critical, as it closely resembles the conditions present during the alleged offense, enhancing the reliability of the test results.

In contrast, administering tests only indoors can remove essential contextual factors that may be relevant to the assessment. Additionally, while cooperation and the suspect's well-being are important, they do not take precedence over the need to gather evidence for DUI enforcement when appropriate conditions are met. Hence, evaluating performance in situ is key to effective and fair assessment during DUI investigations.