What is DRE certification?

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is an officer who has received specialized training and has been certified by the International Association of Chief’s of Police to evaluate suspects and determine: If the subject is impaired. What drug category(s) is/are causing the impairment.

How long does it take to be a drug recognition expert?

DRE PROGRAM The DRE certification process involves two parts: a 72-hour classroom course and a separate 32-hour field certification course. Both are required in order to certify as a DRE. A DRE conducts a detailed, diagnostic examination of persons arrested or suspected of drug-impaired driving or similar offenses.

How many DREs are there?

Per the Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program state coordinator reporting, there were 8,606 Drug Recog- nition Experts (DREs) in the United States through December 31, 2017.

When did the DRE program start?

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) first created the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) course in the early 1970s in response to an apparent increase in driving under the influence of drugs.

What does Dre stand for in police category?

A drug recognition expert or drug recognition evaluator (DRE) is a police officer trained to recognize impairment in drivers under the influence of drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol.

How many hours of training does it take to become a Dre?

The DECP/DRE Program trains police officers and other approved public safety officials as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) through a three-phase training process: Drug Recognition Expert Field Certification (approximately 80 hours). Total training hours: 152.

What does a Drug Recognition Expert ( DRE ) do?

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is an officer who has received specialized training and has been certified by the International Association of Chiefs of Police to evaluate suspects and determine: If the subject is impaired What drug category (s) is/are causing the impairment If a medical condition is causing the impairment

What can you do with a Dre certification?

Once trained and certified, DREs become highly effective officers skilled in the detection and identification of persons impaired or affected by drugs and/or alcohol. DREs are trained to conduct a standardized and systematic 12-step evaluation consisting of physical, mental, and medical components.