2008 Conference

2008 Indianapolis Impaired Driving Conference

The Impaired Driving Conference was held August 10^th through 12^th in Indianapolis. As part of this write-up I may seem a little biased, but by all accountants, it was a success. Attendees seemed very pleased with the site of the conference. From everything our officers heard, they were very pleased with all the activities available downtown. The weather even cooperated as it broke from the heat and humidity the week before to be beautiful throughout the conference.

All of the external gatherings went very well. The opening night mixer hosted by IACP had great food, was relaxed, and very well attended. The street party and Indians baseball game also went smoothly with very good attendance. The close proximity to restaurants and clubs downtown made for easy access for the non-planned activities as well. Everyone seemed to have a good time.

The most important portion of the conference, and the reason we were there was the conference agenda. We set out to present a conference that was not only a nice social event, but a very strong training as well. While I had to rely on attendees comments for everything else, I can say with some pride, we accomplished our goals on the course presentations.

I have received a number compliments and are still receiving emails talking about the success of the conference. While I appreciate them all, the ones that I am proudest of are the ones discussing the presenters. One of the best comments I received was from Sergeant Mike Delgadio with LAPD. He was unable to attend the conference because his triplets were starting school. He said the people from his agency returned saying the conference information, from the main speakers through the breakouts, was information they could use. That is what we were trying for with our agenda.

I would like to thank everyone involved in putting the conference together. The planning committee worked well together and carried out things from start to finish, including running the shuttles before and after the conference. They deserve all the credit with special kudos to Marie Gregor Smith and the members of Advocates Against Impaired Driving (AAID). There support both financially and physically went quite a way toward the success of the conference.

Again, thank everyone for their assistance, their kind remarks, and good luck to the people in Little Rock, Arkansas, site of next year’s Impaired Driving Conference.

2010 Impaired Driving Conference

The 16th National Impaired Driving Conference was held recently in Pittsburgh, PA. Indiana was represented by 22 officers. The Impaired Driving grant sent 19 officers, plus the coordinator. Michigan City sent two officers. Thirty-three officers were contacted and offered the chance to attend. Scheduling conflicts and manpower issues kept several from attending.

Pittsburgh was nice for a city that supports the third place finishing team in the in the AFC North division. (Good thing they have Cleveland!) The conference was held in the Westin downtown. All had a nice time in exploring the city and watching the Pirates. There were several nice places to eat within walking distance, and the Pittsburgh police went out of their way to assist everyone with transportation.

The agenda for the course was solid. The ONDCP was represented and recognized DRE as the best method for battling impaired driving. The National Impaired Driving survey was cited several times demonstrating a problem that we have been aware of for years. Now the public and the government are starting to take notice. Familiar faces presented current, like Dr Jack Richman and Dr. Barry Logan, both past presenters at Indiana recertification trainings.

While discussing Dr. Richman, he brought the resolution passed that stated in part;
“The American Optometric Association recognizes the DEC protocols are based upon valid and reliable theories and procedures accepted by the healthcare community; and whereas, the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program has been shown to improve public health and safety by helping to enable law enforcement officers to determine if someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs; now therefore be it resolved, that the House of Delegates of the American Optometric Association supports the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program and encourages Doctors of Optometry to familiarize themselves with the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program.”

The breakouts covered several issues and different areas for attendees. Legal methods for prosecution, providing expert testimony, involving DRE in wider areas of law enforcement were all presented, just to name a few. Next year the conference is being presented in Montreal, Quebec. It promises to be interesting and a the first time the conference has been held outside the U.S.

For those wishing to attend the conference we will once again be sponsoring officers. As in years past the decision for invitation will depend on those most heavily involved in the advancement of the DRE program. This year attendees included region coordinators, instructors, top performers for drug impaired driving enforcement, and individuals that finished at the top of their respective DRE course. Of course, attempting to secure support from your own agency, prosecutor, or LCC is always a good way to attend.
If you are planning on attending the conference in Montreal you will need a current passport. You should start making arrangements to secure one if you do not have one. You can’t get into Canada without one, but getting back will be quite difficult. (No comment about keeping us border enforcement.) Also it was underscored many times that you will not be allowed to bring a weapon into Canada. If you bring one with you, it will be confiscated and you will not get it back. Looking forward to next year hoser.