The Wildlife Commission, in partnership with the Forensic Test for Alcohol Branch, boasts a team of Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) instructors and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) who focus on the recognition of impaired operators. The SFST’s role is to ensure a properly trained work force that can detect and apprehend impaired operators, and the DREs are extensively trained on the ability to detect impairment of alcohol and drugs. They are a major asset to the law enforcement division, working diligently to keep the citizens of North Carolina safe on both the road and the waterways. 

Two officers from the Commission’s law enforcement division were recently recognized for their exemplary work in this field.

Sgt. Branden Jones received the Award for Outstanding Performance as an SFST for his countless hours spent instructing courses to his fellow officers and recruits. 

“Receiving the award is a great honor,” said Jones. “Instructing Standardized Field Sobriety Testing to our own law enforcement division, other state law enforcement agencies, sheriff’s offices and local police departments allows me to network with many people across the state. This helps the Commission to be on the forefront of public safety, especially when it comes to removing impaired motorist and boat operators.”

Lt. Allen Carlisle was recognized with four awards for his work as a Drug Recognition Expert after conducting the most drug evaluations within the state.

Lt. Carlisle received:

• Achievement Award for outstanding effort as a DRE in 2019
• Platinum Award for elite performance as DRE in 2019
• Top Performing DRE from a State Law Enforcement Agency – The highest number of Enforcement Drug Influence Evaluations in 2019
• 2019 North Carolina DRE Officer of the Year – The highest award for DRE in the state
  
  “The Drug Recognition Expert Officer of the Year Award is a big deal for the Commission,” Carlisle said. “I am very proud and honored to be the second wildlife officer to ever receive this award. We currently have eight certified DREs out of the 186 DRE’s in North Carolina. It speaks volumes for the quality of public safety that is being provided by wildlife officers across this state.”