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.
Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato
Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato
Law Enforcement Training and Recertification
Specific drug recognition training for Law Enforcement
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 during 8 specified timeframes.
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
Presented by: Hon. Todd J. Casella, Yates County District Attorney
Presented by: David D. Kopenhaver
Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato
Presented by: Dr. Aaron Weiner
November 2, 2022 Via Zoom Webinar
Presented by: Jennifer Knudsen and Sgt. Alan Ma
Presented by: Ashley Eller and Sgt. Frank Imparato
“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 – Registration is required. 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.
“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 – Registration is required. 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 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.
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 2022-2023
HALLOWEEN: October 29- October 31, 2022
THANKSGIVING: November 23– November 27, 2022
HOLIDAY SEASON (NATIONAL): December 14 – January 1, 2023
SUPER BOWL: February 10 – February 13, 2023
ST. PATRICK’S DAY: March 16 – March 19, 2023
DRUGGED DRIVING AWARENESS: 3:00pm April 20 – 3:00am April 21, 2023
MEMORIAL DAY: May 26– May 30, 2023
JULY 4TH: July 1 – July 5, 2023
DRUGGED DRIVING AWARENESS: 3:00pm July 10 – 3:00am July 11, 2023
LABOR DAY (NATIONAL): August 18- September 4, 2023
“The Unconventional DWI”, presented by Hon. Todd J. Casella, Yates County District Attorney
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.
Download a Printable Flyer here.
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.
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.
“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.
Download a Printable Flyer here.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
“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.
Download a Printable Flyer here.
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.
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.
