2 Chicago Ridge Cops Certified As 'Drug Recognition Experts'

CHICAGO RIDGE, IL — Two Chicago Ridge police officers have received International Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) certification as Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) that is said to help officers identify impaired motorists driving under the influence of drugs.

A DRE is skilled in detecting and identifying persons under the influence of drugs, and identifying the category or categories of drugs causing the impairment. Chicago Ridge Police Officers Max Ostrowski and Matt Sheehan went through an extensive training in utilizing a 12-step diagnostic examination of persons arrested or suspected of drug-impaired driving or similar offenses.

Unlike alcohol impairment, that can be measured with a Breathalyzer, or other visible signs like bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, motorists under the influence of drugs had very low or zero alcohol concentrations. Certification is based upon requirements established by the International
Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Some criminal defense attorneys, however, question the science behind recognition.

Chief James Jarolimek, of the Chicago Ridge Police Department, said officers are seeing an increase in impaired people since the legalization of recreational cannabis, in addition to people mixing prescription medications with alcohol.

“Officers to take more effective enforcement measures when it matters most,” Jarolimek added.

As of December 2021, the state of Illinois has 136 certified DRE’s. These experts will often travel to other communities to assist local police.