Training Courses

Roadway Safety: Identifying and Handling Drug-Impaired Drivers – Andover PD

Date & Time:
  • December 4, 2026 - 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
Location:
32 N Main Street, Andover, MA
Agency:
Municipal Police Institute
Training Hours:
6 hrs

Course Facts

Instructor: Lieutenant James J. Raso

Date: December 4, 2026

Location: Andover Police Department

Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm

Price: $199.00 USD

Overview

As cannabis legalization spreads, drug-impaired driving has become an increasingly serious concern for law enforcement. This comprehensive one-day training addresses the escalating challenge of identifying and managing drivers operating under the influence of drugs. Officers will develop the practical competencies needed to recognize impairment, conduct proper field assessments, document findings effectively, and navigate the legal requirements for securing evidence. Rather than limiting instruction to Drug Recognition Experts, this course serves any officer responsible for public safety who encounters these situations in the field or courtroom.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

With cannabis now legal in many areas, drug-impaired driving has surged, but the risks remain just as real. "Operating While Impaired" is no longer just a buzzword — it's a dangerous reality that law enforcement must confront head-on. Whether you're conducting vehicle stops, handling seizures, or making arrests, this course equips you with essential skills to tackle drugged driving effectively. This course isn't just for Drug Recognition Experts; it's for every officer who serves and protects. As the prevalence of impaired drivers increases, the need to identify and intervene early has never been more urgent. Our expert instructor will guide you through the critical tools and strategies you need to handle these cases both on the roadside and in the courtroom. The instructor will identify signs and symptoms from each of the 7 drug categories and how to understand a drug matrix. You'll master key skills like field sobriety testing (including practical practicing) and learn how to detect impairment from drugs, not just alcohol. Additionally, we'll arm you with the knowledge to craft airtight police reports and secure the necessary warrants for blood evidence and medical records. This one-day training is designed to prepare you to make our roadways safer and to ensure you're confident and successful every step of the way. Join us to stay ahead of the curve in the fight against impaired driving — it's time to be part of the solution!

TOPICS

  • Why we are seeing more people operating under the influence of drugs
  • How to prove OUI drugs (from probable cause to beyond a reasonable doubt)
  • Three phases of OUI and what to look for
  • Standard Field Sobriety Tests and non-standardized tests
  • 7 Drug categories and indicators for each category
  • Drug category identification (e.g., Xanax vs. Oxycodone)
  • General indications of each drug category
  • Duration of effects and overdose signs
  • 12 Step Evaluation
  • Drug Combinations (Null, overlapping, Additive and antagonistic)
  • Recent Massachusetts Court Cases including Gerhardt Stathopoulos case and applications to practice
  • OUI police report and search warrant writing tips