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Drug impaired drivers face new tests
11/19/08
BY TREENA MIELKE
Red Deer Express
Red Deer city and rural RCMP officers will soon have another tool to help them deal with drug impaired drivers.
Supt. Brian Simpson, Red Deercity RCMP, said a training program is to be established for police officers so they can demand urine and blood samples from drug-impaired drivers.
“It’s another tool that will help RCMP more effectively deal with drug impaired drivers,” said Simpson.
He said a Red Deer rural RCMP traffic section officer has already taken part in the training program.
“One RCMP officer has had the course and will train other officers,” he said.
Simpson said it has yet to be determined how many officers will be trained in the program.
“It will be evaluated and the need level identified.”
Simpson said several steps need to be taken by the RCMP officer to determine if a driver can be charged with drug-impaired driving.
“It is a real process.”
He said drivers can be pulled over because they are weaving on the road, thereby appearing to be alcohol or drug impaired. Once a driver is stopped, an ongoing investigation based on such factors as observation, witnesses and physical impairment can take place, but the investigation may determine that other factors are at play.
“It may turn out they are just sleepy or are talking on their cell phone,” he said. “Sometimes it turns out they haven’t slept in 48 hours.”
While tests can be taken to determine if a driver is driving while drug impaired, the individual cannot be charged with drug-impaired driving until he is seen by a police officer who has taken specific training in that field.
New legislation that came into effect in July stipulates it is illegal for drivers to refuse tests to determine if they are guilty of drug impaired driving.
Simpson said not all RCMP officers will be trained in the drug impairment recognition program, but there will be training opportunities for officers throughout the area.
“It will be evaluated to see what the need is. It is a positive program and will fill a gap.”
tmielke@reddeer.greatwest.ca 309-5452
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