D.A.R’s (Drug Abuse Recognition System) for ERAMThe “Rapid Eye Technique”

• The principle purpose of each Rapid Eye test is to recognize & report

indicators that would correlate to the presence or absence of substance use

ERAM

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RED FLAG TECHNOLOGY

EYE EXAMS

• There are a number of substances which will cause the eyes, more specifically the (pupil), to react by changing size, as well as the ‘white’ of the eye or (Sclera) to change, taking on a reddish hue

• Understanding that there are a number of indicators that correlate to substance abuse, will allow those operating ERAM to recognize when they in fact may be present

ERAM RAPID EYE TECHNIQUE *KEYS*

1. Reaction to a Light Stimulus2. Pupil Comparison (Dilation/Constriction)3. Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN)4. Non-Convergence

1) PUPIL’S REACTION TO: (Light Stimulus)

• An LED light on the clients camera is used to apply direct light into the clients eye, similar to a field sobriety officer using a flashlight

• The client is guided so that the light completely fills the eye socket. An appropriate reaction of the pupil will be for it to constrict & remain constricted throughout the duration of the test

PUPIL’S REACTION TO LIGHT STIMULI (CONTINUED)

• The pupil’s reaction to a light stimuli should only take about 1-2 seconds…if the pupil takes longer than that to react, or if it re-dilates while the light stimulus is still present, it is usually an indicator that some type of impairment may be present:

2) PUPIL COMPARISON• Upon intake, a urine screen is submitted by the client to assure that they are

not currently under the influence of any substance. Once this is done, reference photos are taken of the client’s left and right eyes (shown at the top right of their screen as shown below)

• Additional photos are taken from the live video feed in order to compare with those photos looking for such symptoms as dilation, and pupil constriction

PUPIL COMPARISON • When performing a rapid eye test, it is important to consider certain elements of the

testing environment that are controllable, in order to receive the best testing results:

1. Room Light – make sure that there is adequate lighting in the room, too much light such as direct lamps, sunlight etc., could cause temporary pupil constriction, which will limit the pupils reaction when additional light is used from the camera. If there is not enough lighting, it could cause temporary dilation in the eye as well as make it more difficult to verify and administer the test itself

2. Noise: Loud abrupt noise, can cause temporary periods of constriction in the pupil.

3. Contacts/Optical Needs: Upon intake, prior optical conditions are noted (such as colored contacts). Contacts or glasses must be removed during the intake photo’s and during actual test itself.

PUPIL DILATION

Certain substances release a stimulant that causes the pupil to expand or (dilate)

Actual Test Photo

Reference Photo

PUPIL CONSTRICTION

• Substances, such as opiates or heroin for example, activate what is known as the parasympathetic or (non flight or fight) part of your nervous system. This will usually cause a constriction of the pupils as shown below:

Actual Test Photo Reference Photo

3) HORIZONTAL GAZE NYSTAGMUS (HGN)

• Also known as “rough pursuit” or “floating” – HGN will cause a noticeable quick jerking motion when looking left and right. Although ERAM does not use a physical object during the testing process, the operator guides the client through a similar process looking for a like response - *

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HORIZONTAL GAZE NYSTAGMUS

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HGN EXAMPLE

Law enforcement officers have used field sobriety tests, most of which tested ones “coordination”, for decades. In 1977, officers began using a number of alternative tests to detect impairment and aide in developing probable cause to arrest. One of these tests was the horizontal gaze nystagmus or (HGN) test.

The HGN test, amongst others in optical recognition, were standardized in the field as they confirmed that officers everywhere could administer the test quickly, easily, effectively, and uniformly.

4) NON-CONVERGENCE

• The check for non-convergence (the inability to “cross-eyes”) can provide another clue as to the possible presence of a substance. ERAM operators guide the client to place their finger onto the tip of there nose and ask them to then concentrate on that finger. Those who are unable to do so - present

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EXAMPLE OF ‘SUCCESSFUL’ CONVERGENCE

ADD’L SIGNS DRUG & ALCOHOL USE

• Ptsosis – Droopy Eye-Lids

• “Meth Rash”

• Dry Lips / Burnt Lips

*Falling out of chair, slurred speech, inability to follow protocol*

Accountability * Quality * Service * Technology

DRUG ABUSE RECOGNITION SYSTEM FOR ERAMTHE “RAPID EYE TECHNIQUE”

• This concludes our presentation of the Rapid Eye portion of ERAM!

• The researched material in this presentation, brought to you by Drug Abuse Recognition Systems (DARSYS) has also been approved for use by Vanderburgh County's Prosecuting office, Sheriff, and Evansville’s Police Department.

• If you are interested in becoming legally certified in one of their drug abuse recognition programs, please contact Don Macneil at darsprogram@mac.com