Oconto Police Sergeant celebrated for accomplishments in first year as Drug Recognition Expert
OCONTO, Wis. (WFRV) – The Oconto Police Department congratulated one of its sergeants on Friday for his accomplishments as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
Sergeant Brad Shearer led his region with 21 enforcement evaluations in his first year as a DRE, immediately making a difference in the community after being trained, thus, being awarded the 2024 DRE Outstanding Performance Award and a Top 10 DRE award.
'Doesn't usually 'snow' in July': Sheriff in Wisconsin posts footage of suspect tossing cocaine out window amid pursuit
DREs are officers that are specially trained to detect specific symptoms and behaviors caused by the use of drugs.
Sgt. Shearer quickly became the go-to officer in DRE work, doing evaluations for other agencies even when not on the clock. The release said his active traffic enforcement is 'well-known' in Oconto County.
Sgt. Shearer and his K-9 partner worked together to detect drugs in vehicles, made possible by his studying of traffic trends, which he used to make quality traffic stops and observe possible indicators of impairment or trafficking.
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