Sheriff hosts expert drug recognition course | News

Seven police officers from six agencies across Wyoming completed a rigorous, two-week Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) training course last week.

This training improves the ability of police officers to detect drug impairment in drivers on our roads through a systematic and standardized procedure.

Wyoming is one of the states that has implemented the Drug Recognition Expert Program since 2006.

Today, all 50 states and Canada participate in this program.

There are currently 42 certified drug recognition experts in Wyoming from 23 different participating agencies.

Graduates of this training course will complete their training next month during field certifications in Mesa, Arizona, joining the ranks of certified drug recognition professionals serving our roads across the state.

In 2023, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office took over administration of advanced impaired driving training programs in Wyoming under a grant from the Wyoming Department of Transportation. These training programs include the Drug Recognition Expert Program, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and community education programs such as Drug Impairment Training for Education Professionals (DITEP).

Sheriff Kozak said, “When officers are trained to recognize drug abuse, they help keep our streets and communities safe. At the Laramie County Sheriff's Office, we strive to provide our officers with the best training possible.”