NCJ Number
120643
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 37 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1989) Pages: 105-112
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Drug-influenced drivers are harder to identify and charge than alcohol-impaired drivers, but the use of drug recognition experts (DRE's) may help solve the problem.
Abstract
The Los Angeles Police Department's drug-alcohol unit has developed and tested a successful driver drug recognition program. With about 250 DRE's on the Los Angeles police force, the conviction rate is 97 percent. Police officers are trained to identify the symptoms of drug-influenced drivers, and blood and urine tests are used to corroborate their findings. The Drug Evaluation and Classification Process (DECP) in Los Angeles is based on the following broad categories of drugs: central nervous system stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines, and methamphetamines; narcotic analgesics like heroin, codeine, demerol, and methodone; hallucinogens like LSD, peyote, and psilocybin; phencyclidine consisting of PCP and its analogs; cannabis; and inhalants like glue and aerosols. The DECP provides trained police officers with the ability to accurately recognize the symptoms of many types of drugs. Police departments in New York and Texas are also recognizing the problem of increased drug availability and the importance of DRE's. Procedures followed by DRE's when a driver is suspected of using drugs are detailed, and the need for adequate facilities in which to conduct drug recognition examinations is stressed.