DRE
In 1988, Utah was selected as one of eight states in the nation to participate in the Los Angeles Police Department “Drug Recognition Expert” Training Program. Fifteen officers, representing the Utah Highway Patrol, Salt Lake City Police Department, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, West Valley Police Department, and the Utah State Health Lab were selected to receive this advanced training. Once trained as a “Drug Recognition Expert” (DRE), an officer is able to accurately detect impaired drivers without using sophisticated laboratory equipment. Officers learn to recognize and document the physiological effects of drugs/alcohol on the human body. Today, members of the Department of Public Safety continue to excel in the DRE Program.