The Amherst Police Department welcomes back from training Officer Nick Chandler. Ofc. Chandler is among a very small number of police officers that successfully graduate from the rigorous training program for Drug Recognition Officer. DRE training is necessary to combat OUI-Drugs, a crime that kills each day. The DRE training, funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, included 80 class room hours, 12 rigorous narcotic evaluations and a comprehensive written exam. The trainings were held both in Franklin, Massachusetts and Tempe, Arizona. Ofc. Chander, who is also a member of the Crime Scene Unit, can use his DRE skills immediately. Chandler has been formally recognized by both the Amherst Police Department and the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for his enforcement of the OUI laws.