Before you use our e-mail to ask us a question, look through this page at some of the frequently asked questions, and their answers. If your questions aren't resolved, or if you just want to drop us a line, leave us a note in our e-mail.
What does it take to become a certified DRE?
Who do I contact, if I want to go to DRE School?
What does it take to become a certified DRE?
The Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program has received international acclaim for its success in identifying the drug-impaired individual. Although the focus of the DRE curricula is on the identification of the drug-impaired driver, DRE skills are applied to many different law enforcement activities. These activities include Health and Safety Code enforcement, particularly 11550 H&S violations (under the influence of a specific controlled substance). In addition, DREs are frequently called upon to differentiate between drug influence and medical and/or mental disorders. The certified DRE is an extremely valuable tool for combating the adverse impact of drugs on the communities we serve.
DRE school is extremely demanding. To receive certification as a DRE, two phases of training must be completed. The following summarizes each phase:
ACADEMIC TRAINING:
This phase is typically conducted over two weeks (80 hours). It includes courses in
physiology, vital signs, standardized field sobriety testing (SFST), as well as extensive
material on each of the seven categories of the drugs of abuse. The training includes
three written examinations, an SFST proficiency examination and five written quizzes.
Students must achieve a minimum of 80% on the three examinations, and must
demonstrate proficiency in administering the SFST in order to progress to the
certification phase. The academic training is conducted utilizing creative,
participant-centered teaching techniques.
CERTIFICATION PHASE:
After successfully completing the academic portion, the students return to their division
of assignment. It is the student's responsibility to complete the certification
requirements within six months following the DRE school. These requirements include:
conducting a minimum of 15 drug influence evaluations while under the supervision of
a DRE instructor; identifying subjects under the influence of four of the seven drug
categories; and attaining a 75% toxicological confirmation rate. In addition, the
student must maintain a progress log, rolling log and submit a quality resume. Finally,
the student must pass a comprehensive final knowledge examination, and obtain the
written endorsement of two certified DRE instructors.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is the regulating and certifying organization for the DRE program. DRE certification is valid for two years. 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 eight hours of recertification training.
Who do I contact, if I want to go to DRE School?
You should contact the DRE State Coordinator in your state. There is a list of state coordinators in this website. Prior to contacting the state coordinator, you should ensure that your agency will support your training and the DRE program. Look up your state coordinator and contact him/her for more information.
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This page was updated 1-21-98
Copyright © 1998 LAPD
