DRE’s are trained in a systematic method to determine whether observed driver impairment is due to drug use and if so, to identify the category of drugs involved.

The sheriff’s office has four certified drug recognition experts: Sheriff Dale Schmidt, Detective Michael Willmann, Detective Michael Lake, Sergeant Dustin Waas and Deputy Scott Anderson. The sheriff’s office is committed to this program as another tool to ensure the safest possible travel to the motoring public.

Much like field sobriety tests for alcohol impairment, tests can be performed on a person to determine impairment by use of certain legal and illegal drugs. Each DRE has completed a 40 hour course after which practical field experience is obtained before the deputy is available for use by our department.