Pennsylvania Drug Evaluation and Classification Program

The Pennsylvania DECP will assist police officers in identifying the drug-impaired individual. Although the focus of the DRE curricula is on the identification of the drug-impaired driver, DRE skills are applied to many different law enforcement objectives. For example, DREs are frequently called upon to differentiate between drug influence and medical and/or mental disorders. Certified DREs are a valuable resource in combating the adverse impact of drugs in the communities we serve.

Due to limitations on class size, program requirements, and availability of funding, not all applicants are selected to attend. All applicants will receive written correspondence indicating acceptance or denial to the training at least fourteen (14) days prior to the start of training. It is essential that all applicants be committed and determined to successfully complete the training. DRE School is extremely intensive and demanding. To receive certification as a DRE, two (2) phases of training must be completed. The following paragraphs summarize each phase:

• ACADEMIC TRAINING

This phase is typically conducted over two-weeks (72 classroom hours). It includes courses in physiology, vital signs, standardized field sobriety testing (SFST), as well as extensive instruction on each of the seven (7) drug categories in the DECP. The training includes three (3) written examinations, an SFST proficiency examination and five (5) written quizzes. Students must achieve a minimum of 80% on each of the three (3) examinations, and must demonstrate proficiency in administering the SFSTs in order to progress to the certification phase. The academic training is conducted utilizing creative, participant-centered teaching techniques.

• CERTIFICATION PHASE

Upon successfully completing the academic portion, all students will be scheduled to attend the certification phase for at least five (5) consecutive days. It is the student’s responsibility to complete the certification requirements within a six-month period following the DRE school. The requirements of this phase include: conducting a minimum of twelve (12) drug influence evaluations while under the supervision of a DRE instructor; identifying subjects under the influence of three (3) of the seven (7) drug categories; and attaining a 75% toxicological confirmation rate. In addition, the student must maintain a progress log, rolling log and submit a quality resume. Finally, the student must pass a comprehensive final knowledge examination which takes approximately eight (8) to twelve (12) hours to complete and obtain the written endorsement of two (2) certified DRE instructors.

DRE certification is valid for two (2) years. In order to maintain certification, DREs must conduct a minimum of four (4) evaluations within this time period, submit a rolling log, submit a curriculum vitae, teach a minimum of eight (8) hours of DUI related material, and attend eight (8) hours of recertification training.