The DRE Program

The Arizona Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) program has received national acclaim for its success in identifying the drug impaired driver. 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 drug and alcohol impaired driving.

DRE School is extremely demanding. To receive certification as a DRE, three phases of training must be completed. The following summarizes each phase.

PHASE I: Phase I of the drug recognition training, consists of a two-day (16-hour) preschool. During this preschool, students are taught the definition of the term “drug” as it is used in the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, and become familiar with the techniques of the drug evaluation. Students also begin to learn the techniques and procedures for evaluating persons suspected of drug impairment.

PHASE II: Phase II of training is a seven-day (56-hour) classroom program, during which students receive detailed instruction in the techniques of the drug evaluation examination as well as in physiology, the effects of drugs, and legal considerations. Upon completion of this phase of training, the student must pass a comprehensive written examination before proceeding to Phase III of training, the field certification.

PHASE III: Phase III is the field certification. The field certification portions of training follows completion of the classroom training, and is conducted at periodic intervals for the next sixty to ninety days. During this portion of the training, students, under the direction of certified instructors, evaluate subjects suspected of being impaired by drugs other than alcohol. After participating and documenting the results of at least twelve drug evaluations, and completing a comprehensive examination, the student is certified as a Drug Recognition Expert.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is the regulating and credentialing organization for the DRE program. DRE certification is valid for two years. In order to maintain certification, DREs must recertify every two years.

To be considered for DRE training, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Must have a minimum of three years of service.
• Must be off probation with your agency.
• Must be SFST and intoxilyzer certified.
• Must have a reasonable background and experience level in making DUI arrests.
• Must be willing and able to appear before an oral interview board who will access your background and qualifications.

DRE Training
Law enforcement officers who are interested in the DRE program should complete this form and submit it to us indicating your interest in our DRE program.

Task Force Reporting and DRE database, www.secure.az.gov 

DRE Links

National Sobriety Testing Resource Center (NSTRC)

International Drug Evaluation & Classification Program