The COPS Training Portal announces the availability of a new eLearning course, Expert Insights: Testifying in Court as a Drug Recognition Expert created by the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation (VCPI) in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Expert Insights: Testifying in Court as a Drug Recognition Expert is designed to support Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) as they prepare to appear as witnesses in drug-impaired driving trials. Throughout the course, experts in the fields of law enforcement and prosecution share advice on enhancing courtroom presence and testimony skills, in addition to examining some of the challenges of testifying in impaired driving cases.
This course explores the role of the DRE witness, fundamental courtroom rules and processes, case file preparation, and personal preparation, recognizing that the groundwork for successful testimony is multi-faceted. Learners interact with the content sequentially, beginning with the preparation required before appearance as a DRE witness at a trial, the expert witness testimony during the direct examination, cross-examination by the defense attorney, and considerations after the conclusion of the trial.
While tailored to officers who are DREs, this eLearning course is not part of the process of qualifying for or certifying an individual as a DRE. Expert Insights is intended for law enforcement officers who have previously completed the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program or are already DREs. Although primarily intended for DREs, this course is also appropriate for prosecutors as a guide to working with DREs to prepare for drug-impaired driving trials.
Learners should expect to spend approximately 4 hours exploring the content and resources in this course.
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