In 1985 the Chief of Police of Laguna Beach, California directed then Lieutenant William Cavenaugh to train new patrol officers in DUI enforcement. After developing an eight hour curriculum and locating qualified instructors, other Orange County law enforcement agencies were invited. The course was so successful that several agencies requested it be repeated so other officers could attend. What began as a one-day, one-time class has since expanded into a 38 hour, POST certified, Plan 4 reimbursable seminar. To date, over 7,000 California police officers, deputy sheriffs, military police, deputy district attornies, and crime lab personnel have attended this course.
In April 2004, Captain Cavenaugh received the California POST Governor’s Award for Life Time Achievement in law enforcement training primarily for his efforts in developing the DUI Seminar. The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards of Training has stated this is the highest continually rated course in the POST system. The seminar has been recognized by MADD Orange County, and MADD California. The yearly award presented by MADD Orange County to the officer with the most DUI arrests is “The Cavenaugh” (see photo below).
Several agencies include the DUI Seminar as part of every new officer’s training. Not only is DUI Enforcement covered extensively, but court room preparation and testimony is taught including a mock trial. Many officers are intimidated by the thought of testifying in a DUI case – but not after undergoing this training.
This is not only an educational opportunity – this is a fun course with excellent instructors.
