Free to attend webinar series offered by Center for Forensic Science Research and Education
Drug-impaired driving continues to challenge law enforcement as the drug landscape becomes increasingly complex. Unlike alcohol impairment, the effects of drugs, and particularly combinations of drugs, can vary considerably, making roadside detection and investigation more difficult. Evolving patterns of drug use and emerging substances require access to training designed to address these topics with the most updated information.
In this new webinar series, CFSRE will implement a year-long education initiative designed to provide law enforcement officers and Drug Recognition Experts with timely, science-based training grounded in current research. The series will begin with “Trust the Signs? Connecting DRE Evaluations with Toxicology,” a webinar highlighting findings from prior research that paired Drug Recognition Expert evaluations with laboratory-confirmed toxicology results.
Participants will examine how frequently key physiological, behavioral, and psychophysical indicators occur across single-drug and polysubstance cases and explore how those findings compare with expectations outlined in the DRE drug influence evaluation matrix. The remaining three webinars will focus on emerging drugs, evolving impairment trends, and topics identified by officers as areas where additional education would enhance field investigations. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the pharmacology associated with commonly encountered and emerging substances, how those substances are expected to present during DRE evaluations, and how toxicology testing can support investigative observations.
The webinar series will bring together different perspectives and will provide officers with current, evidence-based information they can immediately apply in the field, strengthening impaired driving enforcement.