Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program

The Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program, also known as the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Program, has received national acclaim for its success in identifying the drug- impaired driver. Officers trained as DREs are frequently called upon to assist with roadside incidents involving impaired drivers, and to differentiate between drug influence and medical and/or mental disorders. Their training is an extremely valuable tool in combating the adverse effects of impaired driving in Virginia. The training consists of a 72-hour classroom session, followed by a 40-hour Field Certification week. The training is at no cost, rooms are provided, and meals are reimbursed up to per diem.

Applications Now Being Accepted for 2023 Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Schools

Virginia's next DRE course is scheduled for:

LOCATIONS:

• Class Room: May 1-12, 2023
  Virginia State Police Academy
  7700 Midlothian Turnpike
  Richmond, VA 23235
  

• Field Certification: June 4-11, 2023
  Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare
  1315 Franklin Road SW
  Roanoke, VA 24016

The deadline for applications to attend this upcoming DRE course is March 24, 2023. Attached is a Virginia DRE training application. Please forward this application to top officers you believe would be excellent DREs. Interested officers must already be certified in Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), and it is recommended they have successfully completed the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training course.

Along with the completed application, officers must provide:

• narratives from a minimum of two DUI arrest reports, two of which from the last 12 months
• an endorsement/recommendation letter from their Chief, Sheriff or Commander
• an endorsement/recommendation letter from their local prosecutor
  

Please email completed applications and the required attachments to our Virginia Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Coordinator, Sgt. Matthew Okes, matthew.okes@vsp.virginia.gov

Incomplete applications or those without the required attachments will be discarded.

WHAT IS DRE?

• More in-depth DUI-D training
• Certifies experts in drug impairment
• Basic human physiology and pharmacokinetics
• Extensive training on 7 drug categories and drug impairment indicators

DRE EVALUATION:

• 12-step evaluation process
• Occurs after arrest
• DRE gives an opinion as to what category or categories of drugs are suspected
• DRE opinion and testimony works in tandem with toxicologist findings

DRE ELIGIBILITY:

• Must have a minimum of two years of law enforcement service
• Must be off probation with their agency and in good standing
• Must be assigned to patrol and/or traffic enforcement duties
• Must be SFST trained and proficient in its use
• Must have an endorsement letter from the Chief, Sheriff or Commander
• Must have an endorsement letter from the local prosecutor
• Must submit no less than four (4) enforcement DWI arrest report narratives for review

DRE TRAINING:

• 2-day Pre-school
• 7-day DRE school
• Field certification
• Final knowledge exam

DRE RE-CERTIFICATION:

• Every 2 years
• 8 hours in-service
• 4 evaluations:
  • 2 enforcement
  • 1 instructor-observed