NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP -- Additional training means that the Michigan State Police now have another way to make Upper Peninsula roads safer.
Trooper Kevin Rajala is one of 14 officers who is now trained in recognizing the signs of drugged driving. A drug recognition expert, or DRE, uses a 12-step evaluation of a suspect to determine if a person is driving under the influence of drugs.
"Having a DRE on staff will enhance efforts to reduce all types of impaired driving in our community," said First Lieutenant Robert Pernaski, Commander of the Michigan State Police - Negaunee Post. "DREs improve traffic safety through their knowledge of the signs, symptoms and effects of drug use."
Trooper Rajala completed a two week course at the State Police Training Academy in Lansing, followed by a third week conducting drug assessments at the Maricopa County Jail in Arizona. The facility processes an average of 900 inmates per day.
"I'm hoping other police officers when they have questions or concerns if the subject is under the influence of something other than alcohol, they would contact me," said Trooper Rajala.
The DRE program began in the 1970s with the Los Angeles Police Department.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWLUC