The Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan will present a webinar on “DREs & ODs (Doctor of Optometry): The Science Behind the Eye Tests” Thursday, August 27, from noon to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom.
A common defense challenge in cases involving Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officers is the argument that these officers are playing “doctor cop.” One area of the DRE investigation that is prone to this attack are the eye examinations conducted by DREs and some that are conducted by non-DRE officers in all impaired driving investigations.
This session will cover the history of optometry as it relates to the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program. It will explain the origins of the various tests of eye movements and pupil responses conducted by DREs and how the DRE task and assessments differ from those of an optometrist.
The session will cover popular eye tests such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Vertical Gaze Nystagmus (VGN) test, and the Lack of Convergence (LOC). The effects of drugs, such as cannabis, on the eyes will be discussed and information shared that will help all DRE and other officers when conducting eye tests during an impaired driving investigation. The session will also delve in medical conditions that can affect the eyes and how these can be differentiated from impairment.
The webinar is designed for drug recognition experts, police officers, city attorneys, prosecutors, and assistant prosecutors.
To register for the webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
A common defense challenge in cases involving Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) officers is the argument that these officers are playing “doctor cop.” One area of the DRE investigation that is prone to this attack are the eye examinations conducted by DREs and some that are conducted by non-DRE officers in all impaired driving investigations.
This session will cover the history of optometry as it relates to the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program. It will explain the origins of the various tests of eye movements and pupil responses conducted by DREs and how the DRE task and assessments differ from those of an optometrist.
The session will cover popular eye tests such as the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Vertical Gaze Nystagmus (VGN) test, and the Lack of Convergence (LOC). The effects of drugs, such as cannabis, on the eyes will be discussed and information shared that will help all DRE and other officers when conducting eye tests during an impaired driving investigation. The session will also delve in medical conditions that can affect the eyes and how these can be differentiated from impairment.
The webinar is designed for drug recognition experts, police officers, city attorneys, prosecutors, and assistant prosecutors.
To register for the webinar, visit https://michiganprosecutor.org and click on “Training Calendar.”
