The La Crosse Police Department is pleased to share that Officer Christopher Oates has been named a “2015 Top 10 DRE of the Year” in Wisconsin. As a certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Officer Oates utilizes his skills to recognize when drivers are impaired by drugs, whether illegal, prescription, over-the-counter, or a combination of drugs and alcohol.
In 2015, Officer Oates was called upon 24 times to perform DRE evaluations. The award, presented by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, recognizes Officer Oates for his, “outstanding performance as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).”
To become a Drug Recognition Expert, Officers must complete an intensive, multi-week certification program. The La Crosse Police Department is fortunate to have five Officers certified as DREs, with two of the Officers certified as Instructors.
Please join us in congratulating Officer Oates. Great job Chris!
La Crosse PD Newsroom 
Congratulations and stay safe out there. Thank you for all you do!!!