LA State Police Boasts – 50 New Cadets Start Training

Trooper Stephen Hammons, Public Information Officer for State Police Troop I visited 'Mornings With Ken and Bernie' today and discussed:

• The start of training for 50 new State Police cadets
• Marijuana impairment opposed to alcohol impairment
• Louisiana State Police being named the 'best dressed' by the North American Association of Uniform Manufacturers

According to Hammons,

This is the first class of cadets that have entered our academy since 2008.  They've just entered 19 weeks of intense training.  They train Sunday evening through Friday evening until completion.

When asked how State Troopers were able to tell if a driver was impaired by marijuana as opposed to alcohol Hammons said,

We actually have troopers who are trained to be 'drug recognition experts'.  These troopers measure someone's pulse, breathing, observe a subject's pupils...and from that information can determine what type of narcotic a person is on...It is extensive training that involves an all day exam.

A KPEL NewsJunkie asked if any physical test could be administered to determine if a person was impaired by marijuana?  Hammons replied,

If a trooper suspects marijuana impairment he will requests a urine sample.  If the subject refuses the urine tests his or her drivers license will be suspended like anyone refusing to take a breathalyzer test.

You can listen to the entire interview including comments about the selection of the State Police uniforms as the best in the nation by clicking the blue arrow below: