Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) School

Go here to submit your application: https://tntrafficsafety.org/dre-school-application.

The Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program has received national acclaim for its success in identifying the drug-impaired driver. Officers trained as Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) are frequently called upon to differentiate between drug influence and medical and/or mental disorders and is an extremely valuable tool in combating the adverse impact of drug and alcohol impaired driving in our communities.

DRE School is extremely demanding. To receive certification as a DRE, three phases of training must be completed: Drug Recognition Expert Pre-School (16 hours) Drug Recognition Expert DRE School (56 hours) Drug Recognition Expert Field Certification (approximately 40-60 hours)

THE FOLLOWING SUMMARIZES EACH PHASE:

Phase 1 & 2 - Academic These phases are typically conducted over nine days (72 hours). It includes courses in physiology, vital signs, standardized field sobriety testing (SFST) and extensive information 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 SFSTs in order to progress to the certification phase.

Phase 3 - Field Certification After successfully completing the academic portion, the students must complete the third certification phase. 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 12 drug influence evaluations while under 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, a rolling log and submit a written curriculum vita.

Finally, the student must pass a comprehensive final knowledge examination, and obtain the written endorsement of two certified DRE instructors. DRE certification is valid for two years. In order to maintain certification, DREs must conduct a minimum of four evaluations every two years, submit an updated rolling log, an updated curriculum vita, and attend eight-hours of approved re-certification training.