Drug Recognition Conference

Good Afternoon,

I hope this note finds you well.

We in the Special Programs Division of the Correctional Management Institute of Texas (CMIT) at Sam Houston State University (SHSU) are very pleased to announce our annual DRUG RECOGNITION CONFERENCE.

DATES:
Monday, January 25 - 3:00pm-5:00pm - Early Sign-in/Registration
Tuesday, January 26 - 7:00-8:00am - Sign-in/Registration; 8:00am-5:00pm - program
Wednesday, January 27 - 8:00am-5:00pm - program
Thursday, January 28 - 8:00am-12:00 noon - program. Adjourn - 12:00 noon

LOCATION: Omni Austin Hotel at Southpark, 4140 Governor's Row, Austin, TX 78744

PROGRAM:
DAWN MATHIS, DEA - For those of you attending our program over the past several years, you know that Dawn has always been a strong opening speaker. Evaluations from last year's program have overwhelmingly requested that we bring Dawn back for this conference. She will be covering a wide range of drugs and drug issues, bringing the vast experience of the DEA to her presentation.

CYNTHIA JASSO ARREDONDO, Texas School Safety Center - For those of you at last year's program, you know that our newest speaker was HUGELY popular and brought an incredibly energetic and dynamic presentation to the conference. Most fascinating, Cynthia took us behind the scenes, unlocking the secrets of where and how people hide their illegal drugs. This invaluable information astounded some of the most experienced criminal justice practitioners and school administrators. As these methods are changing on a daily basis, it's important to stay on top of the situation, which is exactly what Cynthia does.

DIANE BLANCHARD - Last year we had the great pleasure to meet Diane, who was attending a different conference in the same hotel. We told her that we were hosting a drug recognition conference and she told us the heart-wrenching story of her son's overdose. Diane was gracious and strong enough to come into the conference and share her experience with our group. Her moving presentation touched everyone in the room. Diane has agreed to be on the program this year to talk about her situation and others that she has come to know, the warning signs, the emotions, and the impact as her world collapsed around her.

ROSEANNA RUIZ, Positive Changes, LLC - We are pleased to have Rosey with us for the first time to share her experiences on both sides of the criminal justice fence. After going through community programs and institutional facilities, Rosey found the support and strength needed to turn her life around. She has gone on to establish the Re-entry Program at the City of Houston Mayor's Office and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer of the Year Award in 2006.

JOHN GRAHAM, Del Mar College - Many of you know that John Graham is one of a kind. He has vast knowledge and experience in a variety of criminal justice roles. After his presentation at our Drug Recognition Conference last year, your comments on the evaluations said, "Bring him back!" John will be presenting on officer safety, particularly in the midst of search and seizure responsibilities. He will outline what to look for at a client's residence, physical signs and symptoms of being under the influence, and more. He will also present on a variety of drugs, providing information on how they look, their physical effects, etc.

We're looking forward to a great program.

CREDIT HOURS: The program carries 20 credit hours, including LCDC credit.

PAYMENT: As always, payment for this program ($235.00) can be made in advance by check made payable to Sam Houston State University or credit card (Visa, Master Card, American Express), at the conference site, or after the program.

DISCOUNTS: As always, for each 3 employees a single agency sends to the program, a 4th may attend for free. If you are interested in sending 10 or more people, please contact me regarding additional discounts.

REGISTRATION: Please visit our website for registration, brochure, and agenda: http://www.cmitonline.org/cal/

EACH PARTICIPANT WHO ATTENDS THE PROGRAM WILL RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE INCREDIBLE, FULL-COLOR BOOK, "STREET DRUGS: A DRUG IDENTIFICATION GUIDE, 2009".

REGISTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO RECEIVE THE DISCOUNTED HOTEL DAILY RATE OF $99.00. HOTEL SPACE WILL FILL UP QUICKLY.

We look forward to seeing you in Austin.

Regards,

Joe Serio
Project Manager
Correctional Management Institute of Texas
Sam Houston State University
P.O. Box 2296
Huntsville, TX 77341-2296
Tel. 936-294-1705
Fax. 936-294-1671