Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement

This intensive 16-hour program is designed to serve as a comprehensive bridge between foundational SFST training and advanced Drug Recognition Expert certification. Participants will develop the skills necessary to recognize, document, and articulate observable indicators of impairment resulting from drug use, alcohol consumption, or polydrug combinations.

Course Overview

The program provides an in-depth exploration of seven major drug categories and their physiological effects on the human body. Participants will also examine medical conditions and other factors that can mimic signs of impairment. Emphasis is placed on the critical role of ocular examinations in identifying potential drug impairment and narrowing possible substance categories.

The course includes updated instruction on Standardized Field Sobriety Testing procedures, comprehensive coverage of legal considerations in impaired driving enforcement, and detailed guidance on both pre-arrest and post-arrest protocols.

Topics Covered

• Drug definitions in the context of DWI enforcement
• Ocular examination techniques and their role in impairment assessment
• Medical and non-drug conditions that may present similar impairment signs
• Classification and identification of seven major drug categories
• Observable and physiological effects of each drug category
• Effects resulting from multiple drug combinations
• Procedures for managing drug-impaired and medically-impaired suspects
• Current Standardized Field Sobriety Test protocols
• Legal framework surrounding impaired driving cases
• Pre- and post-arrest procedures and documentation

Intended Audience

This course is designed for patrol officers, DUI investigators, supervisory personnel, prosecutors, and individuals pursuing Drug Recognition Expert credentials. Enrollment is limited to active, sworn law enforcement personnel and prosecuting attorneys employed by governmental agencies. Florida participants should note that grant-funded seats are available exclusively to Florida sworn law enforcement officers; federal and military law enforcement personnel in Florida do not qualify for grant-funded enrollment.

Prerequisites

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

Course Details

Duration: 16 hours

Schedule: Classes run from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM across two consecutive days

Cost: $495.00 (grant-funded seats available at no cost for eligible Florida law enforcement)

Important Note

This training program does not qualify officers to serve as Drug Recognition Experts. However, the course does incorporate the comprehensive 8-hour Drugs That Impair Driving curriculum and serves as an excellent preparatory course for advanced DRE certification.