So, how do you handle a string of incidences where drivers have been arrested for DUI but had little to no traces of alcohol in their bloodstreams? Simply put, you develop a group of officers specially trained to handle intoxication on the roadways. In response to an issue involving clean drivers who were arrested for DUI, law enforcement agencies across the United States dispatched drug recognition experts (DRE), also known as drug recognition evaluators, to assess situations that focus on DUIs. As more states begin to legalize marijuana and a boost in drug addiction in our country overall, the rate of drugged driving has drastically increased, meaning we need a little extra help that law enforcement can provide. Let’s take a closer look at DRE agents and see how they identify impaired driving.
Impairment Specialists
First implemented by the Los Angeles Police Department in the 1970s, the DRE program was later extended to other states by means of a collaborative effort by the LAPD and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Now, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) controls the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DEC) through additional efforts of the NHTSA.
Overall, DRE officers have been specially trained to identify people who may be driving while under the influence of substances besides alcohol or a combination of drugs and alcohol. Through the team efforts of medical professionals (including doctors and psychologists), the DEC Program initiated DRE Protocol, a 12-step examination process that helps agents:
- Determine if a suspect is impaired by drugs (or a combination of drugs and alcohol)
- Identify if this impairment has been triggered by drugs or an underlying health problem
- Determine what category of drugs the suspect has used
Steps of the DRE Officer
So, what does this 12-step process actually look like? Here is a closer look at the DEC Program’s DRE Protocol, followed by DRE officers:
- Initiation of a breathalyzer test
- Conversation with the arresting officer
- Health examination of the suspect (including taking the pulse)
- Examination of the eyes for horizontal gaze Nystagmus (HGN), vertical gaze Nystagmus (VGN), poor convergence of the eyes
- Integration of the field sobriety test (balance, hand movement, coordination)
- Measurement of vitals and a second pulse test
- Measurement of pupil dilation via pupilometer and examination of the nose
- Inspection for muscle flaccidity or spasticity
- Examination for potential injection points and measurement of third pulse
- Reading of Miranda Rights and interviewing the suspect
- Use of the DRE Drug Symptomology Matrix (determining final health overview)
- Final toxicological examination (blood, urine)
Seeking Treatment for Alcoholism or Drug Addiction
Alcohol and drugs can and will eventually inflict tremendous damage on your mind, body, and social life. Even the smallest quantities of one or both of these substances can trigger intoxication, which can put your life and the lives of others (if you have driven before) in jeopardy. Are you suffering from a severe case of alcoholism or drug addiction? Do you have a friend or a loved one who is suffering from one or both of these problems, as well? In both cases, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our professional team of counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the rehabilitation process and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle.
If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to put a stop to your drug addiction or alcoholism today.
