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More Drug Recognition Experts Certified in Pa. |
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Thursday, 06 December 2007 |
Officers Are Trained to Identify Type of Drug Causing Impairment in Drivers
HARRISBURG: - Six more troopers and a municipal police officer have been certified by the International Association of Chiefs of Police as drug recognition experts, State Police Commissioner Jeffrey B. Miller announced today.
“Alcohol is the intoxicant most often responsible for impaired driving, but it is not the only one that renders individuals incapable of safe driving,” Miller said. “The goal of the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program is to train officers to determine if a driver is under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription drugs or other substances that impair a person’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.”
Miller said the intensive training program was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and approved by the IACP. Officers successfully completing the extensive course are certified by IACP as drug recognition experts, or DREs.
Cpl. David Andrascik of the Bureau of Patrol’s Driving Under the Influence/Field Operations Section coordinates Pennsylvania’s program, which began in 2004.
Andrascik said the course includes classroom study and hands-on exercises. As part of the training, participants are required to conduct evaluations of subjects impaired by drugs. He said the program also trains officers to recognize whether an individual is suffering from a medical condition rather than drug impairment.
Certified this month as DREs were Tpr. Michael Brandtonies, Troop H, Carlisle; Tpr. Scott Davis, Troop F, Milton; Sgt. Terrence Donnelly, Pittsburgh Police Department; Tpr. James Gregg, Troop A, Greensburg; Tpr. Gary Knott, Troop E, Erie; Tpr. Warren Rhyner, Troop G, Huntingdon; and Tpr. James Wagner, Troop G, Huntingdon.
Andrascik said Pennsylvania now has 32 troopers and four municipal police officers certified as DREs.
“As we continue to expand the number of certified DREs on the road, we will enhance the ability of law enforcement to detect, apprehend and successfully prosecute offenders who are operating under the influence of any drug,” Miller said.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 10 December 2007 )
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