Symposium on Traffic Safety May 18-21, 2026

Courtroom Testimony

• Bulletproof You (Jen Knudsen)

  - Jen Knudsen, Colorado Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Colorado District Attorneys' Council

  This course is designed to elevate professional communication and personal branding for DUI case experts. Attendees will learn to craft clear, concise, and compelling DUI reports that are both articulate and courtroom-ready. This session also includes hands-on guidance for refining and editing curricula vitae, helping attendees present themselves as credible, polished professionals. A unique highlight is the prosecutor’s perspective on avoiding legal missteps and strategically positioning oneself as an expert witness – ensuring long-term career success and enhanced credibility in the field.

• DWI Trial Testimony on a Crash Case (Morgan Bridgers/Timothy Tomczak)

  -  Morgan Bridgers and Timothy Tomczak, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutors, North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys

  Law enforcement officers sometimes lose courtroom confidence when cases are plea-bargained or when testimony is limited to pretrial motions. This hands-on session walks you through a complete DWI trial – from crash testimony to SFSTs, Intox EC/IR II, and appreciable impairment – offering a practical refresher for officers looking to sharpen their courtroom skills. If your testimony is feeling rusty, this session will help you fine-tune these issues.

• From Sirens to Subpoenas: When Patient Care Becomes Courtroom Evidence (Jennifer Dumont)

  - Jennifer Dumont, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys

  HIPAA protects patient privacy – but it does not shield criminal behavior. This session follows an impaired driving case from the arrival of EMS through the collection of blood evidence, medical records, and healthcare provider testimony. Attendees will explore the legal pathways that allow law enforcement and prosecutors to access critical medical information under HIPAA’s law enforcement and judicial exceptions. Learn how to navigate these complexities to support a successful prosecution while respecting patient rights.

DRE Topics

• Choosing a DRE System for Your State (Jerry Miller)

  -Jerry Miller, Executive Director, Institute for Traffic Safety - University at Albany, SUNY

  The National DRE Database has gone dark, but your state still needs to track Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) activity, collect critical data, and report to your Highway Safety Office and the IACP. Discover a proven solution that’s been supporting law enforcement for over 12 years and is trusted by half the states in the country. Join this session to explore a powerful, field-tested system developed by the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research (ITSMR) – the original platform built by DREs, for DREs. You’ll gain the insight and confidence needed to choose a system that ensures continuity, compliance, and credibility for your DRE program.

• A Fleeting High: Challenges with Inhalants (Nicholas Tiscione)

  - Nicholas Tiscione, Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office

  Inhalants are gaining attention due to increased recreational use and media coverage. Although they represent the smallest share of DRE enforcement evaluations, their short-lived effects and detection challenges make them a unique concern for law enforcement. This class will explore the pharmacology, prevalence, and enforcement issues surrounding inhalants, helping you to recognize and respond to their potential role in impaired driving.

• Going Beyond the Face Sheet: Getting Better at What We Do (Joe Abrusci/Russell Kenney)

  - Joe Abrusci, Program Manager - DECP Eastern Region, International Association of Chiefs of Police
  - Officer Russell Kenney, Milford Police Department (Ohio)

  This presentation challenges Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to move beyond routine checkbox evaluations and embrace a more investigative, detail-oriented approach. By leveraging the face sheet as a strategic guide – not just a form – officers can ask deeper, more targeted questions that uncover critical information. Too often, opportunities to strengthen final opinions and reduce courtroom challenges are missed due to surface-level assessments. Attendees will gain practical insights into enhancing evaluation quality, improving case outcomes, and elevating the professionalism of drug-impaired driving enforcement.

• Making the Call: Using Experience to Complement Training (Aaron Botts)

  - Corporal Aaron Botts, DUI/DRE Unit, Denver Police Department

  This advanced session is designed to sharpen decision-making in complex impairment evaluations. It bridges foundational DRE training with real-world experience, advanced reasoning strategies, and critical analysis of emerging research. Key topics include abductive and decompositional reasoning, recognizing the limitations of the DRE matrix, evaluating anomalous cases, and leveraging scientific literature to support impairment conclusions. Participants will refine their evaluation techniques, enhance courtroom credibility, and align their assessments with both procedural standards and evolving scientific understanding.

• Methamphetamine and Fentanyl: Toxicology Trends, DRE Evaluations, and Testimony (Robert Lockwood/Paul Thompson)

  - Dr. Robert Lockwood, Sr. Forensic Toxicologist, Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences
  - Corporal Paul Thompson, Alabama DRE State Coordinator, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency

  Methamphetamine and fentanyl are among the most commonly detected substances in DUID (Driving under the Influence of Drugs) cases, presenting complex challenges for law enforcement and toxicology professionals. This session examines their prevalence, detection in blood and oral fluid, and observable effects during DRE evaluations. Attendees will explore a 7-year analysis of concentration trends, monthly monitoring data, and the rise in polysubstance use. Three crash case studies – including a traffic homicide – will illustrate real-world applications of toxicological findings and DRE assessments. The session also addresses courtroom strategies and common defense arguments.

• Take a Deep Breath: Inhalant Case Studies (Alexandra Mitchell)

  - Corporal Alexandra Mitchell, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office

  This session presents real-world case studies involving inhalant use, including a basic DUI, a death investigation, and a Traffic Homicide Investigation (THI). We will explore the unique challenges of detecting, documenting, and prosecuting inhalant-related impairment across diverse scenarios.

• The Great Impairment Impostors: When Medicine Mocks Intoxication (Gerald Beltran)

  - Dr. Gerald (Wook) Beltran, Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine - Prisma Health

  Recognizing impairment is vital in law enforcement – but what if it’s not drugs or alcohol? This scenario-based session explores real cases where officers encountered individuals who appeared intoxicated, only to uncover serious medical emergencies. Attendees will learn to identify red flags for conditions like diabetic crises, strokes, seizures, and infections, and gain practical strategies to distinguish medical from drug-related impairment. Walk away with sharper assessment skills and a deeper understanding of how to protect both public safety and individual well-being.

• DRE Field Certification Evaluations

  - Florida Drug Recognition Experts

  Certified Florida DREs can benefit from this session by performing evaluations in front of an instructor for recertification. Participants can also complete the necessary paperwork or submit their recertification forms. Additionally, veteran DRE instructors will be available to answer any questions you may have.

DUI Enforcement Topics

• Beyond the 18 Clues: Maximizing SFSTs (Sarah Garner/Timothy Tomczak)

  - Sarah Garner and Timothy Tomczak, Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutors, North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys

  Defense attorneys often argue that Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) only apply to alcohol and that only the 18 standardized clues matter. This session challenges that narrative by teaching officers how to observe and document all behaviors during HGN, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand tests. Attendees will learn how to capture non-standardized indicators, such as speech, coordination, and divided attention, that strengthen impairment cases and enhance courtroom testimony.

• Deltas and Acids and Side Chains, Oh My! (Nate Grimm)

  - Nate Grimm, Owner/Lead Instructor, Cop Smart LLC

  Exotic cannabinoids like Delta-8, THCa, THC-P, and HHC are rapidly making their way into communities, often thanks to shifting hemp laws and legal loopholes. But what do these compounds mean for law enforcement, prosecutors, regulators, and policymakers? This session breaks down the science and legal landscape behind popular cannabinoids, highlighting their differences, effects, and unique enforcement challenges. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate evolving regulations, close loopholes, and respond effectively to the latest trends impacting public safety and criminal justice.

• DUI in the ER (Nate Grimm)

  - Nate Grimm, Owner/Lead Instructor, Cop Smart LLC

  When impaired drivers require medical attention after a crash or overdose, the investigative process becomes significantly more complex, and the risk of losing critical evidence increases. This session empowers law enforcement professionals with proven strategies for effectively investigating alcohol and drug impairment in challenging medical settings, from ambulances to emergency rooms. Learn how initial responders and Drug Recognition Experts can overcome common obstacles, preserve vital evidence, and ensure accountability. Don’t let medical environments become barriers to justice; equip yourself with the tools to turn these tough cases into successful prosecutions.

• Feel the Float: Mind-Altering Beverages and Alcohol Alternatives (Shawn Noonan/Maggie Nunley)

  - Shawn Noonan and Maggie Nunley, Regional DUI Program Administrators, Pennsylvania DUI Association

  As alcohol sales decline, a new market is rising – legal alcohol alternatives that promise relaxation without the booze. This session explores the ingredients behind these products, how they affect the body, and what users report experiencing. Attendees will review portions of drug influence evaluations to assess impairment, examine toxicology findings, and learn best practices for documenting and investigating these emerging substances. Whether you're in law enforcement, toxicology, or prosecution, this session equips you to navigate the evolving landscape of non-alcoholic intoxication.

• Hallucinogens - The New Cannabis (Shawn Noonan)

  - Shawn Noonan, Regional DUI Program Administrators, Pennsylvania DUI Association

  This session explores the path toward hallucinogen legalization, focusing on LSD, MDMA, DMT, and Psilocybin. You will learn how these substances affect the body and how their effects manifest as impairment, supported by medical research and historical context.

• Kratom and the Impaired Driver: Legal, Toxicological, and Investigative Considerations (Ashley Schluck)

  - Ashley Schluck, Wyoming Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor, Laramie City Attorney's Office, Wyoming Highway Safety

  Kratom’s opioid-like and stimulant effects are increasingly seen in impaired driving cases, yet remain poorly understood. This session offers a comprehensive look at kratom’s pharmacology, its impact on driving ability, and the challenges it poses for roadside enforcement and courtroom prosecution. Attendees will learn how to recognize, document, and effectively present kratom-related impairment in legal proceedings.

• How to Get the Most Out of Your Impaired Driving Investigation Interviews (Tony Burnett)

  - Tony Burnett, DRE & ARIDE State Coordinator, Tennessee Highway Safety Office

  This session explores everyday communication methods and key principles that help put suspects at ease during impaired driving investigations. We will discuss strategies for fostering cooperation, especially when individuals may be experiencing fear, rejection, or hopelessness. The session will focus on techniques to convey a sense of value and dignity to people during some of their most challenging moments.

• Unlocking Minds: The New Era of Psilocybin Legalization (Robert Hayes)

  - Robert Hayes, Western Region DECP Project Manager, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)

  As psilocybin laws evolve, this session explores the challenges and opportunities for law enforcement. Attendees will learn to recognize hallucinogen-related signs and symptoms, understand therapeutic uses in retreats and clinical settings, and examine the legal trends shaping psilocybin’s role in communities.

• What's Wrong With You?!: Differentiating Drug Impairment for Medical Conditions (Tom Heller/Jake Masterson)

  - Sergeant Tom Heller and Officer Jake Masterson, Seattle Police Department

  Impairment is clear, but what’s the cause? This session explores medical conditions that mimic drug impairment, featuring recorded evaluations of affected drivers. Attendees will learn how to differentiate medical from drug-related impairment better and gain practical strategies for navigating tough investigative decisions.

• Walk the Line, Prove the Science: Inside the SFST Validation Studies (Brad Owens)

  - Brad Owens, Georgia State SFST Coordinator, Georgia Public Safety Training Center

  How well do we truly understand the science behind the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) we rely on to save lives? This session takes a critical look at the foundational studies supporting the three-test battery. We will explore how these studies were conducted, the methodologies used, and what the results reveal about the reliability and validity of the tests. It’s time to move beyond the classroom slides and examine the evidence that shapes our roadside decisions.

• Why We Do, What We Do on the HGN Tests (Jonathan Huber/Jake Masterson)

  - Officer Jonathan Huber, Impaired Driving Training Coordinator, Seattle Police Department
  - Officer Jake Masterson, Seattle Police Department

  This session dives into the physiological and scientific foundation of Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) as taught in DRE, SFST, and ARIDE curricula. You will learn how the Walk and Turn and One Leg Stand tests assess critical driving-related functions like divided attention, balance, and coordination. Through discussion and live demonstrations, we’ll explore how vision, the vestibular system, and proprioception interact to maintain balance – and how impairment disrupts these systems. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of consistent test instruction and administration to ensure reliability in both roadside evaluations and courtroom testimony.

Florida Topics

• Breath, Urine and Blood Testing: Florida's Implied Consent Statute (Vin Petty)

  - Vin Petty, Florida Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP), Florida TSRP Program

  This session provides a comprehensive overview of Florida’s Implied Consent Law, offering practical guidance for law enforcement officers and prosecutors on when and how the law applies. Attendees will gain detailed instruction on properly advising suspects, requesting chemical samples, and navigating the legal requirements for blood draws. The session will also highlight the latest 2025 statutory amendments, ensuring participants are up to date on the evolving legal landscape surrounding implied consent in Florida.

• Florida DUI Case Law Update (Ben Fox)

  - Ben Fox, Assistant Misdemeanor Division Chief, Training Attorney, Brevard County (FL) State Attorney's Office, 18th Circuit

  Always a popular session, Mr. Fox will give you a comprehensive update on the DUI case law in Florida and what you need to know as a law enforcement officer. Pertinent cases that have surfaced and their effects upon procedures and prosecution will be discussed.

• Florida Legislative Update (Garett Berman)

  - Garett M. Berman, Esq., Executive Director, Florida Prosecuting Attorneys Association

  Garrett Berman will discuss the new traffic laws passed during Florida’s recent legislative session and provide an update on the ones that did not pass.

• Law Enforcement and the Florida Medical Marijuana Use Program (Carmen Dixon/Todd Schimpf)

  - Carmen Dixon, Nurse Consultant, Florida Dept. of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU)
  - Todd Schimpf, Communications Manager, Florida Dept. of Health, Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU)

  This session offers a comprehensive overview of Florida’s Medical Marijuana Use Program, including recent updates and developments. Attendees will gain insight into how law enforcement interacts with the Medical Marijuana Use Registry and the role of the Office of Medical Marijuana Use. The presentation will clarify regulatory procedures, access protocols, and the evolving landscape of medical cannabis in Florida – essential knowledge for professionals navigating this intersection of healthcare, policy, and public safety.