Drug Recognition Expert

Course Hours: 160.0 Hours

Course Description

The 72 hour academic portion of DRE Training teaches students the seven categories of drugs, as classified by the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, as well as observable signs and symptoms associated with each category. The course includes instruction on the  normal ranges for human vital signs and eye indicators and responses, as well as  the proper administration and documentation of the DRE 12 step drug influence evaluation. During the Field certification workshops, students will perform the 12-step evaluation on actual suspected drug impaired persons, to improve their proficiency in the evaluation process, and will learn to accurately predict which drug category or categories are causing impairment. The Final Knowledge Exam will task students to, in narrative format, articulate a working knowledge of the evaluation process, the four effects seen during poly drug use, and proper documentation of a Drug Influence Report.

Prerequisites

Prior to attending DRE, students must successfully complete the NHTSA DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing course, and the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement course. 

Who Should Attend

Officers responsible for enforcing DUI laws will benefit from this training. 

Special Notes

Students must successfully complete each phase of training in order to receive 160 hours of credit. No partial credit will be given. Field certification training is conducted in Jacksonville, Florida at the conclusion of the academic portion of the training program. All field certification travel expenses are funded through a grant from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.

Start Date End Date Location (Hover for more information) Time Course Number Status
10/14/2024 11/18/2024 GPSTC, FORSYTH 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. LPAS24884 Register
03/17/2025 04/16/2025 GPSTC, FORSYTH 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. TBA Coming Soon
08/18/2025 09/24/2025 GPSTC, FORSYTH 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. TBA Coming Soon
10/13/2025 11/19/2025 GPSTC, FORSYTH 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. TBA Coming Soon