A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a Police Officer who has successfully completed all phases of the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program's (DECP) training requirements for certification as established by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
A DRE is skilled in detecting and identifying persons under the influence of drugs and in identifying the category or categories of drugs causing the impairment. DRE’s are called upon to assist in impaired driving investigations, motor vehicle crashes resulting in serious injury and/or death, school students suspected of being under the influence of a drug(s), and investigations where alcohol/drug intoxication is an element of the offense. DRE’s are also called upon to provide training and presentations on drug recognition to law enforcement, prosecutors, and community organizations.
The Franklin Police Department has participated in the DECP since 2001 and there are currently four DRE’s assigned to the Patrol Division.