ALEA Hosts Expert-Level Drug Impaired Driving Enforcement Training
TALLADEGA COUNTY—The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Alabama Impaired Driving Enforcement Program is hosting training for new Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) which is designed to better equip law enforcement officers across the state with accurately detecting and apprehending individuals impaired by drugs other than or in addition to alcohol. New DRE candidates began their certification process virtually on December 5, 2025, and will continue their education and certification process with three weeks of in-person instruction and field training in Talladega, Ala. And Jacksonville, Fla.
Event Details:
WHO: Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) & Alabama Impaired Driving
Enforcement Program (AIDEP) Staff
WHAT: New Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Training
WHEN: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Thursday, February 12, 2026
WHERE: Shocco Springs Conference Center
1314 Shocco Springs Road,
Talladega, AL 35160
Additional details:
• Drug Recognition Expert (DRE): A drug recognition expert is a highly trained law
enforcement officer skilled in identifying impairment in drivers under the influence of
drugs other than, or in addition to alcohol.
• Program Management: The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
coordinates the International Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) with
support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S.
Department of Transportation. In Alabama, ALEA provides the leadership and
management of the DRE program through a grant from the Alabama Department of
Economic & Community Affairs (ADECA) of the DRE program and works together with
38 other law enforcement agencies to make Alabama roadways safer.
• Media-Friendly Visuals & Soundbites: Members of the media are invited to join ALEA
and other agencies staff for a look inside the training program for new DREs.
To confirm your attendance or request an interview with the Alabama DECP State Coordinator,
please contact Sergeant Reginal King at Reginal.king@alea.gov.
