What is a DRE?
A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is an officer who has been specially trained to conduct an examination on a person to determine if the person is impaired and, if so, whether the impairment is caused by drug use or by a medical condition. This examination is conducted in a controlled environment utilizing a Standardized and Systematic 12 Step Process. The Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) utilizes a format that has seven categories of drugs. These categories are determined based on the pharmacodynamics of that particular drug category. Pharmacodynamics is the medically known responses of drug use on human physiology. Once the examination is completed the DRE is able to determine which drug category or categories the person has used. Drug Recognition Experts can be used in a variety of ways, from DWI Enforcement to internal investigations.
Drug Evaluation and Classification Program
The Drug Evaluation and Classification Program is sponsored by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 41 states, as well as Canada and several other nations, currently support the DEC Program. Hundreds of U.S. Law Enforcement Agencies participate in the DEC Program and there are approximately 6000 DRE's and 1000 DRE Instructors worldwide. The training is intense and requires a level of commitment and dedication un-paralleled in law enforcement. The basic training consists of 200 hours of Pre-School and DRE School Classroom Training followed by Field Certification Training and a comprehensive Final Knowledge Examination. Only after completing the extensive training program can officers be certified by the IACP as Drug Recognition Experts. DRE officers are required to continue their education of drug impairment and conduct the minimum number of drug evaluations during a two year period to stay certified.
Drug Evaluation and Classification Program in Louisiana
Thanks to the efforts and support of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, the Louisiana State Police, and many officers across the state, the DEC Program was revitalized in Louisiana in early 2000 after years of neglect. There are currently 31 fully certified DREs and 29 officers in training in Louisiana.
The following agencies have certified DRE's or officers training to be DRE's:
Louisiana State Police
Shreveport Police Department
Slidell Police Department
New Orleans Police Department
Ruston Police Department
Tangipahoa Sheriff’s Office
Haughton Police Department
St. Charles Sheriff’s Office
Lafayette Police Department
To be considered for any upcoming DRE Course an officer must complete the application and mail it to the Louisiana DECP Coordinator, Sgt. Jay Cripple, at the address at the bottom of the application.
