07/23/2026
Community Spotlight π
Behind every safer community is a commitment to continuous learning.
Congratulations to Corporal Jones on completing the first phase of the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) certification program. Investing in professional development helps strengthen public safety and the communities these officers proudly SERVe.
Wishing him continued success as he advances through the certification process! π
Fourteen Florida officers are one step closer to becoming Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) after successfully completing the intensive two-week Drug Recognition Expert School. The officers now enter the certification phase, where they must complete supervised field certifications, conduct drug influence evaluations, and pass a final knowledge examination.
Representing agencies from across Florida, these officers are gaining the skills needed to detect, identify, and remove impaired drivers from our roadways. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) DRE certification equips officers with a standardized 12-step evaluation process that incorporates physical, mental, and medical assessments to determine impairment and its cause.
Participating agencies include Altamonte Springs Police Department, Apopka Police Department, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Groveland Police Department, The Jupiter Police Department, Longwood Police Department, Martin County Sheriff's Office, Miami Beach PD, Panama City Police Department, Tarpon Springs Police Department, and Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida.
A special thank you to the Florida Department of Transportation for providing grant funding that made this specialized training possible.
We also extend our appreciation to the dedicated instructional team from Apopka Police Department, IPTM, Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Marion County Sheriff's Office, Pensacola Police Department, and Tarpon Springs Police Department for investing their time and expertise in the next generation of DREs.
Learn more about the Florida Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program at http://bit.ly/FLDREProgram.