Warren Patrolman Is Certified as an Expert at Catching Intoxicated Drivers
Trained in drug recognition, one patrolman can now detect and arrest operators driving under the influence of drugs other than alcohol.
Warren Patrolman Daniel Lagarto, 29, was honored as a Drug Recognition Expert earlier this week at the State Police headquarters in Scituate. Lagarto was one of 22 law enforcement officials from Rhode Island to be presented with a plaque of certification from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. According to Lagarto, the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program began in 1990 but had fizzled out over the years and is now being resurrected. The program aims to train officials to detect and convict drivers who are operating under the influence of drugs other than alcohol. In the past few months, Lagarto spent time in New Hampshire and Arizona performing written and hands on evaluations to complete his certification. "We had …
