OFFICERS COMBAT DRIVERS ON DRUGS

The city police service has bolstered the number of its drug
recognition officers to combat the growing problem of drugimpaired driving.

City police Const. Peter Sejrup said there's a lot of concern about
the number of drugimpaired drivers getting behind the wheel.

There's also increasing evidence that people are mixing alcohol and
drugs, or using several different drugs, before driving, he said.

"Poly-drug use is on the rise," Sejrup said.

Peterborough has four officers trained in drug recognition, he said,
the second-highest number in the province. York police have the most.

As part of Police Week, Sejrup will be at Lansdowne Place Mall today
from 2 to 7 p. m. to talk about the drug-recognition program.

Drug recognition officers are trained to study a person's eye
movements and reactions to see if he or she has used drugs before
getting behind the wheel.

Sejrup will also answer questions about new provincial legislation
regarding suspensions for those who blow a "warn" after drinking.

Const. Greg Hanley will also be at the mall with a vehicle rollover
simulation machine.

Police Week is a chance to see police officers in a casual setting,
police Chief Murray Rodd told The Examiner last week.

The canine unit will hold demonstrations Wednesday and the Emergency
Response Team is at the mall Thursday.