Catalog Description

Prerequisite: Completion of POST Basic Academy
Hours: 24 lecture
Description: Provides officers with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs and symptoms of drug influence, the DAR 7-step system, drug trends, how drugs affect the central nervous system, drug laws, report preparation and expert court testimony. (pass/no pass grading) (not degree applicable)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Classify various types of drugs and their physiological and behavioral effects.
  • CSLO #2: Recognize physical symptomology of various drug usage.
  • CSLO #3: Demonstrate the Drug Evaluation/Influence Process.

Effective Term

Fall 2017

Course Type

Credit - Nondegree-applicable

Contact Hours

24

Outside of Class Hours

48

Total Student Learning Hours

72

Course Objectives

1. Explain the history of Drug Abuse Recognition (DAR);
2. Demonstrate 7-Step Drug Evaluation/Influence Process;
3. Compare and contrast the effects of drugs on the central nervous system;
4. Discuss and explain the neurochemistry theory;
5. Analyze the Uniformed Controlled Substances Act;
6. Differentiate the 8 drug categories;
7. Identify and illustrate drug manufacturing, processing and packaging;
8. Establish and assess current drug trends;
9. Compose a drug influence report.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

            Methods of Evaluation

            • Objective Examinations
              • Example: Students will properly identify various types of drugs by their assigned legal Schedules.
            • Skill Demonstrations
              • Example: After studying the 7-Step Drug Influence Process students will demonstrate their knowledge by correctly performing the examination on each other accurately using the pupilometer card and penlight.

            Repeatable

            No

            Methods of Instruction

            • Lecture/Discussion

            Lecture:

            1. Using PPT, videos and handouts, Instructor will describe the Drug Abuse Recognition (DAR) 7-Step Drug Influence Process. Instructor will demonstrate the following: Pulse Examination, Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Vertical Gaze Nystagmus, Lack of Convergence, Romberg, Pupillary size, Pupillary reaction to direct light. Students are expected to understand the DAR process and demonstrate on other students.

            Typical Out of Class Assignments

            Reading Assignments

            1. Read sections of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act Health and Safety Code; be prepared to discuss in class. 2. Read handout on Nystagmus and be prepared to perform the exam.

            Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

            1. View short video of a subject under the influence of a controlled substance and write a Drug Abuse Recognition Report. 2. Successfully perform the Drug Abuse Recognition 7-Step Drug Influence Process.

            Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

            Required Materials

              Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

              Instructor-compiled manual, readings and supplies.