Drug Recognition Expert Unit

A Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) is a police officer who has completed all phases of the Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP) training requirements for certification, as established by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

DREs are trained to detect and identify individuals under the influence of drugs, as well as to recognize the categories of drugs that may be causing impairment. They assist in investigations involving impaired driving, motor vehicle crashes that result in serious injury or death, and any other situations where alcohol or drug intoxication is relevant to an offense. Additionally, DREs provide training and presentations on drug recognition to law enforcement agencies and community organizations. 

The Franklin Police Department has participated in the DECP since 2001 and currently has six DREs assigned to the Patrol Division.