By Ashley Wiebe

Training for drug recognition experts discussed at Police Commission

Apr 19, 2018 | 8:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — An officer with the Medicine Hat Police Service has completed training as a drug recognition expert.

Constable Darren Holeha travelled to Jacksonville, Florida last month for the course.

Once the certificate is received, Holeha will be one of three officers in southern Alberta who are certified to conduct tests for drug impairment.

Chief Andy McGrogan said it’s an important step for the service to take ahead of the cannabis legalization expected later this year.

“We don’t really have any instruments that actually accurately record impairment,” he said. “So, basically, we’ve ramped up the whole drug recognition expert training.”

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

'An awesome, good feeling': National Volunteer Week underway in Medicine Hat

Apr 15, 2024

According to the report presented to the police commission on Thursday night, the training to become a drug recognition expert is in high demand.

“There’s very few seats available across Alberta right now because everybody’s scrambling because of the cannabis legislation,” he added.

More to come.