Traffic Stops, DUIs, and Drug Tests

Did you know you can get a DUI without ever taking a drink of alcohol? If you have been pulled over for careless driving, speeding, running a stop light, etc. and the driver seems impaired but has passed the standard sobriety tests, a specialist is called in to perform a series of other tests to determine whether or not the driver is under the influence of an illegal substance. If it turns out that the person does have drugs (prescription/illegal) in their system, they can be charged with a DUI. So don't think they won't know if they can't smell anything...there are SEVERAL other physical signs that can give you away! Same rules and pentalties apply as if you blew over the .08 legal limit for alcohol.
If you'd like to know more about this program or PTI's Safety & Security program, you can log onto www.pti.edu or reply to this blog with your email address and I'd be happy to get back to you.

Fatal Vision Class

This week was all about the DUI Taskforce here in Western PA and the steps being taken to eliminate driving under the influence. Many local law enforcement agencies have paired up with the PA State Police and are conducting several DUI Checkpoints in and around the Pittsburgh area from now until the end of Fall. Did you know that even 1 drink can cause you to blow above the legal limit. So watch yourself and always have a designated driver!

We were allowed to put on the fatal vision glasses and try to walk a straight line. It's the equivalent to blowing a 1.5 and was just about impossible. Pretty scary to think that there are people out there driving like that right now. The best advice is DON'T DRINK & DRIVE.

Jail Visit

This week was totally incredible. We went on a guided tour of the new Allegheny County Jail. Needless to say, I never want to end up there for any reason other than a tour! T.V. shows aren't exactly accurate on the true happenings in jail, so exposure like this puts you back in check. My best advice is, "Don't break the law, EVER!"
Next week is the DUI Sim. This ought to be interesting.

Lie detector hard to fool

For anyone who thinks it's easy to fool a lie detector test, forget it. You can grind your teeth, put a tack in your shoe, or hold your breath and a good polygrapher will catch it every time. No, I didn't volunteer but the girl who did tried her best to lie and she got caught!
The drug dog was awesome and found the "stash" in a matter of seconds. It was interesting to find out that when a dog is working for law enforcement (drug, bomb,cadaver) they don't realize what they are looking for, in their mind, they are looking for their TOY TOWEL that the trainer uses to play with them. Once the dog "hits" on a scent, if it turns out to be (drugs, bombs, cadavers) the trainer throws them their towel and plays furiously with him while talking in a high pitch kind of baby talk dog language.
Next week...defense tactics and the Judgemental Simulator. (shooting)

This is going to be so cool!

If last night was any indication as to what we will be doing, I can't wait! The amount of information that we are being given is amazing and it is really opening our eyes to the different areas of law enforcement and each of their responsibilies. The itinerary shows 9 weeks of action packed events. Next week is the drug/bomb sniffing dog and a polygraph test. I hope I'm the one chosen to get wired up!

Cancelled!

Of course, the first real snow of the season and it falls on the first day of class. It shall be another week of eager anticipation. Let's hope the snow stays away next Tuesday.

Yes, I got in!

Well, I just received a phone call from the State Trooper in charge of the program and I have officially been accepted into the CPA at PTI. I could hardly keep my composure on the phone but I waited until I hung up to act like a total bozo! Classes begin next Tuesday and I am waiting for an email from the Trooper with details on the time, place, and proper attire.