07 Sep, 2023 in Traffic and Patrol Operations
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In the realm of law enforcement, continuous training and upskilling are vital for maintaining public safety and upholding the law. Specifically, for small police agencies, Intoxicated Driver Enforcement training can be a game changer in improving road safety in their jurisdictions.
The dangers of impaired driving are well-documented, leading to thousands of preventable fatalities each year. Smaller police agencies, despite their limited resources, play a crucial role in curbing this menace. By investing in Intoxicated Driver Enforcement training, these agencies can significantly enhance their capacity to identify, apprehend, and process intoxicated drivers, making roads safer for everyone.
Free resources exist for small agencies looking to improve their skills in this area. State agencies, such as the Texas Department of Public Safety, offer free training to certify personnel in the use of the Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and Breath Test Machine Operation. Regularly hosted by the Department, these training programs provide invaluable hands-on experience and knowledge to officers, arming them with the tools they need to effectively enforce laws against impaired driving.
The training sessions not only focus on the technical aspects of administering SFSTs and operating Breath Test Machines, but also emphasize the importance of proper documentation and presentation of evidence in court. This holistic approach ensures a higher chance of conviction for offenders, acting as a potent deterrent against intoxicated driving.
ARIDE is a training program designed to bridge the gap between the Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) and the more comprehensive Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program. The curriculum, developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), aims to improve officers' ability to recognize the signs of impairment beyond alcohol. The program provides officers with a higher level of education in the area of drug impairment detection, equipping them with the ability to accurately observe, identify, and articulate the signs of impairment related to drugs, alcohol, or a combination of both.
The DRE School, on the other hand, offers an intensive training program that equips officers to become certified Drug Recognition Experts. The curriculum, approved by the IACP and NHTSA, includes an array of topics such as the physiology of drug impairment, legal considerations, and detailed instruction on the DRE 12-step evaluation process. The goal of the DRE School is to enable officers to conduct systematic and standardized examinations to identify not just alcohol impairment, but also impairment due to a wide range of substances, from illegal drugs to prescription medications. The DRE program is instrumental in improving the ability of law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend impaired drivers, thereby enhancing road safety.
We encourage all small police agencies to take advantage of these free training opportunities. The returns, in terms of enhanced public safety and lives saved, will certainly outweigh the effort and time invested in the training. By joining together in this endeavor, we can collectively make our roads safer and save countless lives. Act now, and let's create a safer future together. Reach out to your state agency counterparts and take the first step towards a safer community.
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