Two local law enforcement officers are among the latest class of drug recognition experts trained by the state Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, according to state Department of Motor Vehicles.

Rome Police Patrolman Zachary D. Hadasz and Oneida County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Eilers were among the class of eight officers from across the state to receive this nationwide certification, officials said.

“Drug Recognition Experts are a critical tool in helping to get impaired drivers off our roads. I applaud all the officers for their hard work to complete this training and for their commitment to traffic safety.” said Mark J.F. Schroeder, commissioner of the DMV and chair of the GTSC.

Drug recognition experts (DREs) are utilized by law enforcement when a driver appears to be impaired and police have ruled out alcohol as the cause or sole cause of impairment, officials said. A DRE receives extensive training that has been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The training allows officers to observe and document signs and indicators of impairment within each of seven drug categories including illicit and prescription drugs. DREs can make arrests and remove impaired drivers from the roadways regardless of the drug or drug combinations that are causing impairment.

As part of their training, DRE graduates must successfully complete a three-part program prior to being certified.

The first two phases include a two-day introductory course, followed by 56 hours of instruction and a final exam. In the third phase, participants are required to observe and identify drug categories and complete an additional final knowledge exam to successfully comply with national DRE regulations.

After successfully completing the training, all DRE officers are certified for two years and are expected to meet certain requirements to be considered for re-certification at the end of this period.

Officers selected to participate in the DRE program must have a history of being proactive within their community and be well-trained in drunken driving detection.