DRUG RECOGNITION EXPERT TRAINING
DRE School is extremely demanding. To receive certification as a DRE, three phases of training must be completed. The training is typically conducted over 10 days (80 hours). The following summarizes each phase:
Academic Training:
Phase one is conducted over two days. The training includes the SFST proficiency test and one quiz the students must achieve a minimum of 80% to continue to phase two.
Phase two is conducted over eight days and will include courses in physiology, vital signs, standardized field sobriety testing (SFST), as well as extensive material on each of the seven drug categories of the drugs of abuse and they general indicators. They will be four written quizzes and a final examinations of 100 questions. Students must achieve a minimum of 80% on the examinations, and must demonstrate proficiency in administering SFST in order to progress to the certification phase three.
Certification:
Phase three: After successfully completing the academic portion, the students return to the Certification training. Students are teamed up to look for drug-impaired subjects. Students with an instructor will complete an evaluation on that subject. Each student is required to conduct a minimum of 12 drug influence evaluations while under the supervision of a DRE instructor. Each student has to identify subjects under the influence of four of the seven drug categories. In addition, the student must maintain a progress log, rolling log and submit a comprehensive resume. Finally, the student must pass a comprehensive knowledge examination. These requirements must be completed within a six month period.
To be considered for DRE training, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Have a minimum of two years of law enforcement service.
- Be off probation with your agency.
- Have at least two years experience after successfully completing the NHTSA SFST Training.
- Have a reasonable background and experience level of making DWI arrests.
- Officers with ADVANCED ROADSIDE IMPAIRED DRIVING ENFORCEMENT TRAINING (ARIDE) will receive preference.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is the regulating organization for the DRE program. DRE certification is valid for two years only. In order to maintain certification, DRE's must conduct a minimum of four evaluations within the two years, submit a rolling log and current resume, and attend sixteen hours of approved re-certification training.
Any question, call Richard Devlin, State Coordinator at 1-518-486-4221.