![Stearns County Will Participate in MN Drugged Driving Pilot Program](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2018/03/Steve-Soyka.jpg?w=630&h=420&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Stearns County Will Participate in MN Drugged Driving Pilot Program
Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka confirmed that they will participate in the Minnesota drugged driving pilot program. He says their office will be receiving one of the oral fluid test machines as part of the test pilot project. Soyka describes it as an instrument similar to the preliminary breath test they do on the side of the road for driving under the influence of alcohol. Soyka says the instrument was rolled out first to drug recognition officers in the state including the 4 that Stearns County has in their agency.
![AM 1240 WJON logo](https://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/11/attachment-wjonam-alexacard-big.jpg?w=100)
Soyka says the results are not admissible in court this year but if deemed successful they will seek approval for 2025. He says Stearns County has a DUI officer funded by the state and Soyka would expect that officer to be trained first before the rest of the officers.
The 4 Stearns County Drug recognition experts can be on call if they have a DUI stop. Soyka says they try and have at least one available for each night shift. He describes the drug recognition officers as patrol officers who have an interest in traffic safety and traffic enforcement.
If you'd like to listen to my full conversation with Stearns County Sheriff Steve Soyka it is available below.
Come Visit Fairhaven, Minnesota in Pictures
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Support And Unity: Sherburne County Leaders Condemn Violence In Political Disagreements](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Trump-AssassinationAttempt-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Man’s Body Found After Jumping From Veterans Bridge](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2021/04/70240401_954648994892156_1160412640535642112_n-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Little Falls Man Hurt After Motorcycle Crash Friday](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/05/Mayo-Ambulance-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![See What Happens When The Sun Goes Down At Sleepover Safari](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-tiger.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Two Hurt in Stearns County Crash Near St. Rosa](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Crash-with-Injuries.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Minnesota, 24 Other States Enter $82 Million Settlement with Abra and CEO Over Licensing Violations](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-rock-staar-NzIV4vOBA7s-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New Detour In Effect on Highway 23 Between Milaca and Bock](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/04/attachment-Hwy-23-Milaca-to-Ogilvie.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![80s Christian Pop Star Coming To Minnesota This Fall](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-GettyImages-621809252.jpg?w=980&q=75)