Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement

This 16-hour course is designed to fill the instructional gap between foundational SFST training and comprehensive Drug Recognition Expert programs. Participants will develop competency in observing, recognizing, and articulating indicators of impairment stemming from alcohol, drugs, or combined substances. Successful completion requires meeting specific prerequisites.

Course Content Overview

The program provides comprehensive instruction on seven major drug categories and their physiological impact on the human body. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing drug-related impairment indicators from medical conditions and other circumstances that may present similar signs. Particular attention is given to the significance of ocular examinations in identifying potential drug impairment and narrowing possible substance categories.

Participants will receive current information on Standardized Field Sobriety Testing methods, with dedicated coverage of legal frameworks governing impaired driving enforcement and procedures required before and after arrest.

Core Topics

• Understanding "drugs" within the context of DWI enforcement operations
• Application of eye examinations in determining impairment likelihood
• Medical and situational factors that mimic impairment signs
• Recognition of the seven major drug categories
• Observable manifestations associated with each drug category
• Physiological effects resulting from polydrug use
• Appropriate intervention strategies for drug-impaired and medically-impaired individuals
• Current Standardized Field Sobriety Test protocols
• Legal considerations in impaired driving cases
• Pre- and post-arrest procedural requirements

Intended Audience

This course serves patrol officers, DUI investigators, supervisory personnel, prosecutors, and those pursuing Drug Recognition Expert certification. Participants must be active, sworn law enforcement personnel or prosecuting attorneys employed by governmental agencies. Florida participants utilizing FDOT grant-funded seats must be Florida sworn law enforcement officers; federal and military law enforcement personnel in Florida are not eligible for grant-funded enrollment.

Course Duration and Prerequisites

The course spans 16 hours of instruction. Participants must have previously completed the IACP/NHTSA National DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing program or equivalent training. Additionally, participants must demonstrate proficiency in administering the complete Standardized Field Sobriety Testing battery to successfully complete this course. A maximum of two attempts at the proficiency examination is permitted.

Important Clarification

This course does not qualify participants to serve as Drug Recognition Experts. However, it does incorporate the content formerly presented in the 8-hour Drugs That Impair Driving curriculum.

Class Schedule and Fees

Classes are scheduled across multiple Florida locations with sessions running from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Tuition is $495.00; however, limited grant-funded seats may be available at no cost to eligible Florida sworn law enforcement officers through the Florida Department of Transportation. Interested participants should register through the Florida Grant Funded Training Catalog for grant-funded placement.