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Events and Trainings

*** REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR ALL LIVE AND WEBINAR TRAININGS***

The NY State STOP-DWI Foundation, Inc., through funding from the NYS Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is pleased to sponsor regional trainings to benefit local STOP-DWI efforts in New York State. These seminars are free of charge and designed help our partners prevent impaired driving.

Upcoming Trainings

Over the Hill or Over Medicated?
March 20, 2024 9am-1:00pm
(via zoom)

Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

Retest or Retire: Driver Degeneration
February 26, 2024 9am-1:00pm
(via zoom)

Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

Community Events

“Deadly Driving NY Rally for Change” – Tuesday, January 9, 2024
Use your voice and show support to close up loopholes that allow drugged drivers to walk free. At this rally, it’s a chance to let lawmakers know the community needs stiffer laws to keep roadway users safe. 

SFSt/ARIDE/DRE programs

Police Training & Recertification – Division of Criminal Justice Services

Law Enforcement Training and Recertification

DRE & ARIDE – Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Trainings

Specific drug recognition training for Law Enforcement

high visibility campaigns

“Statewide High Visibility Engagement Campaigns”

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.  Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaigns aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.  Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce drunk driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints and roving patrols play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. 

In a combined effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives STOP-DWI Coordinators and their partners will be engaging the public with education materials of the dangers of Impaired Driving while Law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads.  The New York State Police, County Sheriff and Municipal Law Enforcement Agencies across New York State will be out in force. 

New York State STOP-DWI High Visibility Engagement Campaigns 2023-2024

Halloween 2023                                10/27-11/1

Thanksgiving 2023                            11/22-11/26

Holiday 2023-2024                            12/13 – 1/1

Super Bowl 2024                               2/9-2/11

St Pat’s 2024                                       3/15-3/17

420 Drug Day                                     4/19 – 4/21

Memorial Day 2024                         5/24-5/27

June 100 Days of Summer            6/6-6/9; 6/13-6/16; 6/20-6/23; 6/27-6/30

July 4 2024                                          7/3-7/7

July 100 Days of Summer              7/11 – 7/14; 7/18 – 7/21; 7/25-7/28

August 100 Days of Summer        8/1 – 8/4; 8/8 – 8/11

End of Summer 2024                       8/14-9/2

PAST Trainings

Video of Protecting New Yorkers From Drugged Driving (S8913/A9554) – Webinar Presentation May 13, 2022
Presented by: Maureen McCormick, Esq., Special Assistant District Attorney of the Suffolk County DA’s Office Co-Chair DAASNY Vehicular Crimes Subcommittee, and Kristen Burke, MBA of NHTSA Region 9 Toxicology Liaison

>> Watch the video
Winning the Encounter
May 3 & 10, 2023 and September 20 & 27, 2023

Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato


>> Read the description

The Unconventional DWI February 15, 2023 9am-1pm
Presented by: Hon. Todd J. Casella, Yates County District Attorney

>> Read the description
DWI and Modern Drug Trends January 24, 2023  – 9am-1pm
Presented by: Dr. Aaron Weiner

>> Read the description
“Impaired Driving Training”  Presented by Robyn Robertson
November 2, 2022 Via Zoom Webinar

>> Read the description
The Delta Variant – Webinar Training
December 12 & 19, 2022 and June 7th & 21st 

Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

>> Read the description

Communication to Prevent DWI in NYS May 24, 2023 9am-1pm
Presented by: Katie Dively

>> Read the description
Newest Plan Buzz:  Kratom and Kava
April 5, 2023 and September 5, 2023

Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

>> Read the description

Over the Counter, Under Arrest
March 1 & 8, and August 30 & 31, 2023

Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato


>> Read the description

Improving your DWI Case February 7, 2023 9am-1pm
Presented by: David D. Kopenhaver

>> Read the description
Trolling for Evidence:  Leveraging Social Media
February 1 & 8, 2023 and July 18 & 19, 2023

Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

>> Read the description

Pushing Back on SFST Courtroom Challenges
January 10, 2023  and August 28, 2023

Presented by: Jennifer Knudsen and Sgt. Alan Ma

>> Read the description

The Role of Prescription Drugs in Multi-Substance Impairment – September 13, 2023

Presented by: Matthew Myers, MS MPA

>> Read the description

“Over the Hill or Over Medicated “presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

This course will discuss how elderly drivers can suffer accidental impairments and overdoses by mixing medications. It will discuss a brief overview of the decline of the body and will go over the stunted ability of the body to ingest, absorb, metabolize, and eliminate drugs. This course will also take a closer look at when a medical intervention would be helpful to ensure the safety of the driver. This course will explain the process for having a driver re-examined to ensure the safety of our roadways.

Click here to register and Download a Printable Flyer HERE

Ashley Eller began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program.

Sergeant Frank Imparato began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“Retest or Retire (Driver Degeneration)”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

This course will focus on elderly drivers. The degeneration of the body as people age and how that can affect the ability to drive safely will be discussed. This course specifically breaks down the normal faculty’s drivers need to operate a vehicle safely. Students will be introduced to many disorders, degenerative diseases, natural age progression issues, and an overview of common medications to listen for while conducting investigations. This course will also discuss how the degenerative diseases could affect the subject’s performance during standardized field sobriety exercises.

Click here to register and Download a Printable Flyer HERE

Ashley Eller began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program.

Sergeant Frank Imparato began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“Pushing Back on SFST Courtroom Challenges”presented by Jennifer Knudsen and Sgt. Alan Ma

The defense continues their assault and challenges on the Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). In this workshop, the presenters will describe many of the current challenges being faced by law enforcement, prosecutors, other traffic safety professionals, and courts throughout the country. Attendees will benefit from understanding the types of challenges and how to better prepare for them.

Click here to Register and Download a Printable Flyer here.

Jennifer Knudsen  Jennifer Knudsen is Colorado’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) for the Colorado District Attorneys’ Council. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Denver. She then went to the University of Colorado School of Law where she earned a juris doctorate and certificate in taxation.

As TSRP, she produces training for prosecutors, law enforcement, and other prosecutorial partners on traffic safety matters. She is also a member of the Colorado DRE Advisory Committee.

Ms. Knudsen is a co-author of Strategies for Prosecuting DWI Cases, which was published during the summer of 2016 by Aspatore (a division of Thomson Reuters). She received the 2018 Kevin E. Quinlan Award for Excellence in Traffic Safety, the 2021 Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Colorado Department of Transportation Prosecutor of the Year Award, and the 2022 Dr. Robert E. Weltzer Outstanding Dedication to Traffic Safety Award.

Sergeant Alan Ma  Sergeant Alan Ma is a police officer with the Denver Police Department Special Operations Division, Traffic Operations Bureau, DUI/DRE Unit. Sergeant Ma is a course manager and train the trainer for Colorado’s Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program, a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Train the Trainer and Instructor, an Evidential Breath Alcohol Testing Intoxilyzer I-9000 Instructor, and a certified level two technical accident reconstructionist. Sergeant Ma has been qualified as an expert witness in the First, Second and Seventeenth Judicial District Courts in Drug Recognition, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Investigations, and Chinese Language. In addition to his daily duties, Sergeant Ma also serves as a member of the Colorado Drug Recognition Expert Advisory Committee.

Sergeant Ma is a member of the Denver Police Department Honor Guard Team and was the police honor guard commander of the Lakewood Police Department Honor Guard Team. Sergeant Ma is fluent in Mandarin Chinese and has assisted various police agencies in the Denver metro area in investigations involving Mandarin Chinese speaking suspects, victims, and witnesses. Sergeant Ma holds a Master of Arts Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington.

“Over the Counter, Under Arrest”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

This course will delve into over-the-counter substances or readily available to purchase “herbal supplements” that are sweeping the country and causing concern in the driving population. Officers will be introduced to ever-changing Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs). This course will provide knowledge to officers about impairments that satisfy the Field Sobriety Exercise requirements for arrest, but do not conform to the standard rules of impairment per statutes. Instructors will discuss impairments caused by these substances and how to go about articulating impairment caused by these substances. NOTE: This course is primarily intended for officers that conduct DWI investigations, though may be of value for any officer that deals with drugs or impairment.

Click here to register and Download a Printable Flyer HERE

Ashley Eller  began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“Newest Plant Buzz:  Kratom and Kava”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

With over the counter and plant-based impairments on the rise, this course provides officers with a look at two of the newest plants that cause impairment, Kratom and Kava. The audience will learn the history of the plants, how they were originally used, and why at least one has been banned in its country of origin.

This course will provide a working knowledge of Kratom and Kava impairments and how it affects driving and will help the audience identify products containing them.

Click here to register           Download a Printable Flyer here.

Ashley Eller  began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“The Role of Prescription Drugs in Multi-Substance Impairment”presented by Matthew Myers, MS MPA

Participants will first be presented with foundational information on types of prescription use patterns that may precede an impaired driving incident and a review of epidemiological data on the scope and nature of the problem. An overview of potentially impairing drug classes will be provided along with a review of general effects on driving. An in-depth discussion of drug-drug interactions will then be provided to help the learner recognize different ways that medications may alter each other’s expected effects. The role of tolerance in drug responses will be discussed along with challenges in applying experimental and epidemiological data to real-world outcomes involving multi-substance impairment. A brief overview of potential interactions with over-the-counter and nutraceutical products will be provided (time allowing). Tips for roadside investigation and a review of actual case studies will provide a final integration of the lesson material.

Click here to register and Download a Printable Flyer HERE

Ashley Eller  began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“Winning the Encounter”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

In this class, the audience will discuss common distraction techniques. This class shows  how the same techniques used by magicians are also being used by suspects daily. Students will learn how to break down the techniques so they understand how a suspect could easily distract them to ditch, palm, steal, or otherwise misdirect the officer while evidence disappears. Officers will leave this course with a higher level of officer safety and suspect behavior knowledge.

Click here to register             Download a Printable Flyer here.

Ashley Eller  began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

GTSC:  DRE and ARIDE Training

The New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee is charged with the administration and oversight of the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program under the auspices of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.  A recurring concern we have heard from the law enforcement community is the difficulty in locating a DRE especially if the agency does not have a DRE on staff.  To address this issue, we have compiled and are making available a statewide listing of all certified Drug Recognition Experts and their employing agency contact information.  We hope that this newly published listing of Drug Recognition Experts will provide a concise reference to quickly contact a local DRE to provide assistance in any drug impaired, driving related incident.

This DRE Web page provides the link to the announcement and application and also lists all of the upcoming trainings including DRE school and ARIDE – Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement training Training and Events | Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (ny.gov)

You may apply here for financial assistance to attend training.  Application for DRE School Funding (jotform.com)

Visit DRE Program Resources | Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (ny.gov) to see the current list of current certified DRE’s in New York.

DCJS – Division of Criminal Justice Services offers Police Training and Recertification.  Visit Police and Peace Officer Training – NY DCJS to see the training calendar.

“Trolling for Evidence: Leveraging Social Media”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

This course teaches officers how to utilize open-source information to help document the behavior of an arrestee in impaired driving cases. Officers will learn how to utilize information found on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, and Tik Tok to name a few. It features a section on how to properly build a fictitious profile on the platforms mentioned above to allow officers the ability to search on the platform without using their personal information. This course also covers how to build community relations using social media. The content of this course is structured for officers of all calibers who are looking to improve their investigations and bolster their case when testifying.

Click here to Register   –  Download a Printable Flyer here.

Ashley Eller  began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“The Delta Variant”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

Delta-9 has been the go-to plant impairment for the last 100 years in American Society. With the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill more Delta “variants” were discovered and are being used to cause impairment with little ability to identify them in blood/urine testing. The audience will be introduced to Delta 8 and Delta 10 as well as the minor-cannabinoids (THC) and supportive cannabinoids (CBD). While discussing the newest additions to the Delta Variant the audience will be shown examples of impairment by these products. Signs and symptoms of cannabis impairment, as well as driving indicators will be discussed.

   Download a Printable Flyer here.

Ashley Eller  Ms. Ashley Eller began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  Sergeant Frank Imparato began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“Communication to Prevent DWI in NYS”presented by Katie Dively, M.S., MCHES

Improving public health and reducing driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol (DWI), requires growing healthier and safer behaviors. Communication can be a powerful tool to facilitate behavior change. However, research has shown that using communication to change DWI behaviors is complex, and many communication efforts are ineffective. Utilizing a simple process can increase effectiveness and create sustainable change. 

This session will provide an overview of The Positive Culture Framework’s 7-Step Process for effective communication. Developed by the Center for Health and Safety Culture (CHSC) at Montana State University, this process can be used to develop communications at any scale, whether it be for a conversation or a mass media campaign to prevent DWI.  

Participants will leave with an understanding of the importance of communication in behavior change efforts, models for changing behaviors, and an overview of the 7-step process for effective communication. The session will demonstrate that the 7-Step Process is a feasible approach for guiding and improving communication efforts, particularly for complex issues such as driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.  

 Download Printable Flyer Here

Katie Dively is a Senior Research Scientist and Senior Trainer at the Center for Health and Safety Culture. Katie holds a M.S. in Health Promotion from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES). In her role, Katie provides guidance to communities and organizations using the Positive Culture Framework and serves as the Center’s primary trainer. Katie also provides resources, technical assistance, and training relating to evidence-based prevention practices including program planning, capacity building, assessment, implementation, and evaluation.

Katie has experience training and providing guidance to over 200 communities and organizations. With a passion for studying health behavior, Katie has led prevention efforts in a variety of topic areas including substance use, traffic safety, child maltreatment, and problem gambling.

“The Unconventional DWI”presented by Hon. Todd J. Casella, Yates County District Attorney

  • What is an Unconventional DWI?
    • A DWI where the conventional investigative tools don’t work or are not an option.
    • Refusal to submit to SFST, PBT, chemical Test
    • Unconscious suspect, non-verbal suspect, combative suspect
    • Suspect left the scene, “home free” DWI
    • Any standard DWI where conventional evidence is suppressed by the Court.
  • Redefining how to Investigate a DWI and looking beyond SFST
    • A focus on operation, contents of vehicle, talking to the suspect, and looking beyond the stop.
    • Civilian witnesses can be the best witnesses, find them and talk to them – be aware of your Brady responsibilities
    • How to articulate a suspect’s intoxication without referring to SFST or breath tests
    • What is the deference between Intoxicate and Impaired?
  • Different types of Unconventional DWI and how to get the evidence
    • Standard stop – No SFST (refused), no chemical test (refused)
    • Standard Stop – Combative suspect, No SFST (refused), no chemical test (refused)
    • Standard Stop – Non-verbal suspect, No SFST (refused), no chemical test (refused)
    • Single Vehicle MVA – Suspect incapacitated
    • Single Vehicle MVA – suspect left the scene
    • Multiple Vehicle MVA – serious physical injury to another and no serious physical injury to another
  • Orders to Compel Blood and other blood draw related issues – serious physical injury or death to another
    • What is the process(es), who do you call, how fast to you need to act, what information do you need on ready, do you have a copy of an application?
    • What is the Two-hour rule and when does it matter?
  • Search Warrants are your friend – when should you consider using them
    • Don’t ignore the suspects cell phone – it most likely has all the evidence to prove your case
    • Cell Site Data, Google Earth.
    • Know what you are looking for and narrow your parameters in your application for the search warrant and the execution of the search
  • Special Cases – DWAI Drugs
    • All the same issues can and do arise in DWAI Drugs cases
    • What is the standard – impaired to any extent or substantial impairment
  • Does a refusal to submit to a chemical test mean your case is dead?

Download a Printable Flyer here.

Todd Casella – In March of 2013 I began my professional career as an Assistant District Attorney for Steuben County, NY.

Then in November of 2017 I was elected Yates County District Attorney and took Office on January of 2018. At the time I was 33 years old and was the youngest elected District Attorney in the State. That same year I was selected as one of six counties in the State to pilot the Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) for the New York Prosecutor’s Training Institute (NYPTI).  Beginning in 2019 I taught several classes to the for NYPTI and the District Attorney’s Association of New York (DAASNY) on the implementation of DEMS in anticipation of complying with discovery reform. I continue to train District Attorney’s Offices across the State on discovery compliance and for the past three years I have taught Assistant District Attorney’s at NYPTI’s summer college at Syracuse University. For a 2018 conviction and my commitment to teaching other prosecutors, I was nominated and awarded, “Prosecutor of the Year” by the New York Prosecutor’s Training Institute at the District Attorney’s Association of New York’s Summer Conference.

“Improving your DWI Case”presented by David D. Kopenhaver

Testifying on Direct and Cross Examination for DWI Cases– This block of instruction covers common mistakes made at trial and common defense tactics. This will increase officer’s confidence in court and lead to more productive arrests.

Roadside Interviewing and Reestablishing Rapport Post Arrest– Far too often we settle for the “just two beers” response. This instruction will teach officers interviewing questions that can lead to a stronger case. Once an arrest is made, how do we obtain a voluntary toxicology sample? We will discuss ways to reestablish rapport to get that voluntary sample.

What is you why? – Traffic fatalities have done up since 2019. This presentation will cover reason in the increase in traffic deaths and suggestions to change current trends.

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Dave Kopenhaver, native of Williamsport, Pennsylvania has served communities for the past thirty-one years retiring in May of 2022. He began his law enforcement career in 1991 serving six years in the United States Marine Corps as a military police officer. After being honorably discharged, he started his civilian law enforcement career in South Carolina.

Over the past twenty-five years he has held several leadership positions such as the coordinator of the 14th Circuit Law Enforcement Network and South Carolina Impaired Driving Coordinator (DRE Coordinator). Dave has served as an instructor at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy in the Traffic Safety Unit having trained 200 DRE’s and over 3,000 officers in field sobriety and DUI enforcement. In addition to South Carolina, he has presented across the country at industry conferences and law enforcement training courses. 

With his education and expertise in standardize field sobriety testing Dave has been qualified as an expert witness in municipal magistrate, state courts and has been disposed as an expert witness in federal courts.

Dave has volunteered on his off hours as an impaired driving education expert speaker and has participated in a number of community impact panels. He has been fortunate enough to be recognized by several organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, SC Office of Highway Safety, American Legion, SC National Safety Council, and the National Criminal Enforcement Association.

“Trolling for Evidence: Leveraging Social Media”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

This course teaches officers how to utilize open-source information to help document the behavior of an arrestee in impaired driving cases. Officers will learn how to utilize information found on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, and Tik Tok to name a few. It features a section on how to properly build a fictitious profile on the platforms mentioned above to allow officers the ability to search on the platform without using their personal information. This course also covers how to build community relations using social media. The content of this course is structured for officers of all calibers who are looking to improve their investigations and bolster their case when testifying.

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Ashley Eller  began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“DWI and Modern Drug Trends”presented by Dr. Aaron Weiner

Trends in addictive substance use are rapidly evolving, with new substances, industries, and use patterns constantly emerging. Join Dr. Aaron Weiner, President of the Society of Addiction Psychology, for an overview of all the most relevant trends professionals need to know, as well as what research tells us about how these substances affect driving ability and impairment.   Topics covered include opioids, cannabinoids, alcohol, psychedelics, micro dosing, and kratom.

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Aaron Weiner, PhD, ABPP is a board-certified Psychologist and addiction specialist, and speaks nationally on the topics of addiction, behavioral health, and the impact of drug policy on public health.  He earned his doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed his fellowship in Addiction Psychology at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. His perspective is informed by years of experience growing and directing addiction service lines for hospitals and healthcare systems, the current state of medical and psychological research, and his own observations in private practice. Dr. Weiner is the President of the Society of Addiction Psychology, a member of the Physician Speakers Bureau for the National Safety Council, and on the Science Advisory Board for Smart Approaches to Marijuana.

“Impaired Driving Training”presented by Robyn Robertson.

The 4-hour impaired driving training to be delivered by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation includes the following topics:  Comparing the profile and characteristics of male versus female impaired drivers and examining self-reported impaired driving in the US in the past five years. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this risky behavior will also be described; Summarizing the latest international research on cannabis impaired driving, crash risk and the prevalence of cannabis alone, and the combination of other substances in fatal crashes; Describing the latest research on the effectiveness of alcohol ignition interlocks in reducing impaired driving recidivism, crashes, and best practice interlock program features; and Reviewing research findings regarding the effectiveness of road safety campaigns including exploring their theoretical foundations, key features of effective campaigns, appropriate messaging for distinct audiences, and best practice dissemination strategies.

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Robyn Robertson has led a wide variety of research projects across a broad range of topics. During her career, she has published more than 200 major reports and articles on diverse road safety issues in traffic safety, criminal justice and professional journals. With a focus on education, policy and program development and evaluation, she has made more than 250 presentations at criminal justice, traffic safety, injury prevention and research conferences.

She is coordinator of the Working Group on DWI System Improvements, a U.S. coalition of criminal justice professionals, representing 14 criminal justice organizations, and served as faculty at the National Judicial College in Reno, Nevada.

Robyn received her Master’s Degree in Criminology and undergraduate degree from the University of Ottawa. Her professional training includes management, business administration, marketing and executive development courses.  Robyn has nine years of experience in the academic field, teaching several criminology and criminal justice courses part-time as her schedule permitted at the University of Ottawa, and Algonquin College in Ottawa.

“The Delta Variant”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

Delta-9 has been the go-to plant impairment for the last 100 years in American Society. With the enactment of the 2018 Farm Bill more Delta “variants” were discovered and are being used to cause impairment with little ability to identify them in blood/urine testing. The audience will be introduced to Delta 8 and Delta 10 as well as the minor-cannabinoids (THC) and supportive cannabinoids (CBD). While discussing the newest additions to the Delta Variant the audience will be shown examples of impairment by these products. Signs and symptoms of cannabis impairment, as well as driving indicators will be discussed.

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Ashley Eller  Ms. Ashley Eller began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  Sergeant Frank Imparato began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

“Over the Counter, Under Arrest”presented by Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato

This course will delve into over-the-counter substances or readily available to purchase “herbal supplements” that are sweeping the country and causing concern in the driving population. Officers will be introduced to ever-changing Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs). This course will provide knowledge to officers about impairments that satisfy the Field Sobriety Exercise requirements for arrest, but do not conform to the standard rules of impairment per statutes. Instructors will discuss impairments caused by these substances and how to go about articulating impairment caused by these substances. NOTE: This course is primarily intended for officers that conduct DWI investigations, though may be of value for any officer that deals with drugs or impairment.

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Ashley Eller  began her law enforcement career in 2004 with the Orlando Police Department as a dispatcher. In 2006 she became a Community Service Officer for the Orlando Police Department. In 2010 Ms. Eller accepted a position as a certified Law Enforcement Officer with the Apopka Police Department. Ms. Eller has taught SFST-DWI Detection, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (MIDDLE), Advanced Marijuana Impaired Driving Detection for Law Enforcement (AMIDDLE), and the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training (DRE school). Ms. Eller was a certified Intoxilyzer 8000 operator and Agency Inspector for the Intoxilyzer 8000. Ms. Eller has taught for the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM), Valencia Community College Criminal Justice Institute, Georgia Public Safety Training Center, and Tallahassee Community College via the Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) program

Sergeant Frank Imparato  began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a Law Enforcement Explorer with the City of Coral Springs Police Department. In August of 2003, Sergeant Imparato was hired by the Coral Springs Police Department as a Telecommunicator. After two years in the communications unit, Sergeant Imparato was assigned to the road patrol unit and served as a civilian Traffic Accident Investigator. After some time in the road patrol unit, he was transferred back to communications where he remained for approximately 3 more years. To improve his DUI investigation skills, Sergeant Imparato has continued his law enforcement education by attending Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, DUI Instructor, DUI Trial and Case Preparation, Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), Drug Recognition Expert, and Drug Recognition Expert Instructor schools. Sergeant Imparato also serves his department as a Traffic Homicide Investigator, Instructor, and Field Training Officer. He speaks regularly to faculty, students, and community organizations about the dangers of impaired drivers. 

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New York’s STOP-DWI program is the Nations’ first and, to date, only self-sustaining impaired driving program. Other States have implemented components of self-sufficiency, but none to the degree of New York State.