Transcript Basics of Drug Recognition

What is a DRE?
Tony Corroto
DRE/SFST Instructor
[email protected]
duiexpertwitness.com
404-906-2153
What is a DRE ?

Drug Recognition Expert
1. Impairment not consistent with BAC
2. Suspect is under the influence of drugs
medical condition rule out
3. U.I. of category or categories of drugs
12 Step DRE Protocol
Standardized
and
Systematic
12 Steps of the DRE Evaluation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The BAC of the suspect.
Interview of Arresting Officer.
Preliminary Examination (1st pulse) fork
Eye Examinations
Divided Attention Tests
Vital Signs Examination (2nd pulse)
Darkroom Examination
Muscle Tone
Injection Sites Examination (3rd pulse)
12 Steps of the DRE Evaluation
10. Statements
11. Opinion of DRE
12. Toxicology
Step 1
Breath Alcohol Test

To determine whether the specific drug,
alcohol, may be contributing to the
impairment observable in the subject.
Step 2
Interview with the Arresting Officer
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Arresting officer may have seen or heard
things that would be valuable indicators of
the kinds of drugs the suspect has
ingested.
Drug related paraphernalia, information
about the subjects behavior.
Step 3
The Preliminary Examination
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To determine if subject may be suffering
from an injury or some other medical
condition not necessarily related to drugs.
Observations of subjects face, speech and
breath; pupil size and tracking ability;
initial check of subjects eyes for angle of
onset.
Step 3
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Initial examination of the suspect’s pulse.
Here we come to the fork in the roadway.
Step 4
Eye Examinations
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Lack of smooth pursuit
Distinct and sustained nystagmus at
maximum deviation
Estimation of the angle of onset.
What is the angle if present.
Vertical Nystagmus
Lack of Convergence
Step 5
Divided Attention Psychophysical Tests
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Romberg Balance
Walk and Turn
One Leg Stand L @ R
Finger to Nose
Step 6
Examination of Vital Signs
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Second pulse 60 to 90 BPM
Blood Pressure 120 to 140 Systolic
70 to 90 Diastolic
Body Temperature 98.6 +/- 1 degree F
Step 7
Dark Room Examinations
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Room Light – Average 4.0 2.5 – 5.0mm
Near Total darkness – Average 6.5 5.0 –
8.5 mm
Direct light – Average -3.0 2.0-4.5mm
Rebound dilation
Nasal and oral cavity examination
Step 8
Check for Muscle Tone
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Tense or rigid
Flaccidity or rubber like
Normal
Step 9
Examination for Injection Sites
Third pulse
Step 10
Interrogation of Suspect
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Miranda? Yes
Any such interview can proceed only in
conformance with formal admonition and
strict observance of the suspect’s
Constitutional rights.
Step 11
Opinion of Evaluator
“In my opinion as a certified DRE subject
Sergeant Wojciehowicz “Wojo” is under
the combined influence of Hallucinations
and Cannabis and is unable to operate a
motor vehicle safely.”
Step 12
Toxicological Sample
7 Categories of Drugs
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Central Nervous System Depressants
Central Nervous System Stimulants
Hallucinogens
Dissociative Anesthetics
Narcotic Analgesics
Inhalants
Cannabis
7 Categories of Drugs
Central Nervous System Depressants
Barbiturates
Non-Barbiturates
Anti-anxiety tranquilizers
Anti-depressants
Anti-psychotic tranquilizers
Combinations
7 Categories of Drugs
Central Nervous System Stimulants
Cocaine
Amphetamines
Methamphetamines
Desoxyn
Ephedrine
7 Categories of Drugs
Hallucinogens
Peyote - cactus
Psilocybin - mushrooms
LSD – lysergic acid diethylamide
MDMA, STP, TMA – psychedelic
amphetamines
7 Categories of Drugs
Dissociative Anesthetic
PCP – phencyclidine
Ketamine
7 Categories of Drugs
Narcotic Analgesics
Heroin
Methodone
Morphine
Codeine
Dilaudid
Hycodan
Demerol
7 Categories of Drugs
Inhalants
Volatile Solvents
Anesthetic Gases
Aerosols
7 Categories of Drugs
Cannabis
Marijuana
Hashish
Hashish Oil
Marinol
Tony Corroto
DRE/SFST Instructor
[email protected]
duiexpertwitness.com
404-906-2153