Online training looks into 'Investigating and Prosecuting the Drugged Driver'

The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan’s Traffic Safety Training Program Webinar Series will offer the 10-part series “Investigating and Prosecuting the Drugged Driver: Drug Recognition Experts on the Street and in the Courtroom” on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. from June 2 to August 18.

Drugged driving cases are on the rise and pose challenges for both law enforcement and prosecutors. Confronting them will require a collaborative effort among law enforcement, prosecutors, and those working in toxicology.  The Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) is one of the most important tools to fight drugged driving on Michigan roads.  This 10-part series will cover every important aspect of the DECP.

The series will start off with an overview of how the program came about in Michigan and will introduce attendees to the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Matrix.  The next eight episodes will cover the Seven Drug Categories which make up the DRE Matrix. The series will wrap up with a session on toxicology and legal issues that arise in DRE cases.

The schedule includes:

• Wednesday, June 2—An Overview of the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program and DRE Matrix
• Wednesday, June 9—CNS Depressants
• Wednesday, June 16—CNS Stimulants
• Wednesday, June 30—Hallucinogens
• Wednesday, July 7—Dissociative Anesthetics
• Wednesday, July 14—Narcotic Analgesics
• Wednesday, July 21—Inhalants
• Wednesday, July 28—Cannabis
• Wednesday, August 4—Toxicology in a Drugged Driving Case
• Wednesday, August 18—DRE Prosecutors: How to Effectively Present a Drugged Driving Case

Each webinar course is approved for 1 hour of credit under PAAM’s recommended CLE Best Practice.

There is no charge to attend this webinar series, but attendees must register in advance. To register, visit www.michiganprosecutor.org and click on “training.”
After registering, participants will receive a confirmation email from Zoom with instructions on how to join the webinar.

This series will be recorded. Anyone unable to attend should go ahead and register as indicated. Everyone registered will receive a link to the recording. The training handouts, if any, will be made available the day of each webinar.

Any questions, emai gronowskia@michigan.gov or at 517-643-2114.