An investigator with the District Attorney’s Office of the 18th Judicial District has been named 2021 Instructor of the Year by the Rocky Mountain High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.
Investigator Matthew Wittner was honored at an awards ceremony Dec. 14.
The Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area supports law enforcement through collaboration, research and analysis. In addition to promoting multi-agency drug intelligence development, HIDTA provides federal, state and local law enforcement officers with professional training courses.
Wittner was recognized for his efforts in teaching effective drug enforcement techniques in Colorado and throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
“My office strives to recruit and retain the best staff in every category, including our 22 investigators. Those men and women have extensive law enforcement backgrounds and remain POST-certified. They are a resource for our agencies and our attorneys,” said District Attorney John Kellner. “We know what an amazing group we have, and it is no surprise for outside groups to recognize that, as well. Matt brings his professionalism and experience to work with him every day.”
Wittner joined the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in April 2019. Prior to that he had a successful career with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, leaving as a sergeant. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Northern Colorado.
The HIDTAs operate under the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The Rocky Mountain HIDTA was established in 1996 and includes parts of Colorado, Utah, Montana and Wyoming. Its mission is to “facilitate cooperation and coordination among federal, state and local drug enforcement efforts to enhance combating the drug trafficking problem.”
The Rocky Mountain HIDTA executive board consists of 23 members (10 federal, 13 state/local) and works with more than 130 agencies.
Left to right: RMHIDTA Executive Director Keith Weis; RMHIDTA Training Manager Pat Long; Mike Wittner and his wife, Claudia; RMHIDTA Executive Board Chairman Special Agent in Charge David S. Booth, ATF; and RMHIDTA Training Coordinator Taylor Redding.
