Drug recognition experts in trials: perspectives from criminal justice system actors

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to fill the gap in understanding the impact of Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evidence and testimony in driving under the influence (DUI) trials. This was accomplished by documenting and analyzing the perceptions of DREs and the DRE program across different stakeholders to understand how and when this type of evidence is used in DUI trials.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is a qualitative case study of the DRE program in one police agency in Washington. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with criminal justice actors and state-level experts on their perceptions of the DRE program for the agency. Themes were developed from these interviews to analyze their perceptions of the efficacy and utility of DREs in trials.FindingsWhile the courts in Washington accept DRE evidence in criminal trials, DRE evidence is largely absent in the adjudication process. Participants noted multiple reasons for this, including the lack of trials, the primacy of blood evidence and the expansion of the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) program.Originality/valueAlthough the DRE program has been around for decades, there is a lack of peer-reviewed studies regarding DRE evidence, and no studies regarding how court actors perceive and use DRE evidence. Understanding when and how DRE evidence is utilized in DUI trials can increase its value and utility by prosecutors and the national DRE program.

目的 本研究的目的是填补在理解药物识别专家（DRE）的证据和证词在酒驾（DUI）审判中的影响方面的空白。这是通过记录和分析不同利益相关者对DRE和DRE项目的看法来实现的，以了解这种类型的证据在酒驾审判中是如何以及何时被使用的。 设计/方法/途径 该方法是对华盛顿一个警察机构的DRE项目进行的定性案例研究。通过对刑事司法人员和州级专家就他们对该机构DRE项目的看法进行半结构化访谈来收集数据。从这些访谈中提炼出主题，以分析他们对DRE在审判中的有效性和实用性的看法。 研究结果 虽然华盛顿的法院在刑事审判中接受DRE证据，但在裁决过程中DRE证据基本缺失。参与者指出了造成这种情况的多种原因，包括审判数量少、血液证据的首要地位以及高级路边酒驾执法（ARIDE）项目的扩展。 创新性/价值 尽管DRE项目已经存在了几十年，但缺乏关于DRE证据的同行评审研究，也没有关于法庭人员如何看待和使用DRE证据的研究。了解DRE证据在酒驾审判中何时以及如何被利用，可以提高其在检察官和国家DRE项目中的价值和实用性。