UCM Dockery, Warrensburg, MO
Tel: 660-543-4834

Drug Impaired Driving Brochure

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Robert Paul Statewide Coordinator660-543-4524

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Drug Impaired Driving/DRE

A drug recognition expert (DRE) is an individual 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.

The State of Missouri fully supports the DRE Program due to the number of lives that are lost each year at the hands of impaired drivers. Although a great number of police officers across the state are trained to detect alcohol–impaired drivers, a smaller number have received the DRE training that enables them to detect drug-impaired drivers.

Being a DRE requires a higher level of dedication and performance in highway safety issues. The training required to learn the skills of recognizing drug-impaired drivers and detect the drugs causing the impairment is strenuous and demanding.

It is expected of each DRE to not only perform evaluations of their own, but to assist, when possible, other nearby agencies in DRE evaluations.

Drug Evaluation and Classification Program (DECP)

The Drug Evaluation and Classification Program is recognized by all fifty states in the U.S., Canada, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom.

DRE Certification

Candidates for DRE must complete an application and meet specific requirements to be considered for DRE training.

DRE Training & Field Certification

Approved DRE candidates will participate in two (2) weeks of structured training (Phases I & II).  Field Certifications (Phase III) generally take place out of state and provide the opportunity for candidates to complete required evaluations.

Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE)

This is an intermediate level course designed to offer more than a basic understanding of the impairing effects of drugs (illicit and licit), alcohol, and/or the combination of both. NOTE: This course will NOT qualify an officer to serve as a Drug Recognition expert.

2024 DRE School

Spring 2024
Pre-School and School: February 26 – March 8, 2024
Jefferson City, MO MSHP Academy
Field Certifications: March 10 – March 17, 2024 (Philadelphia, PA)
Deadline for Application: December 22, 2023

NOTE: Applicants who successfully complete the DRE School and Field Certs for 2024 will be provided with up to $2,000.00 toward attendance at the 2024 or 2025 IACP Impaired Driving and Traffic Safety Conference through the MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Division.

Click Here for DRE Application

Evaluation Results 2022

Total Evaluations (766)
100
Cannabis
43
Depressants
21
Stimulants
26
Narcotic Analgesics
32
Polydrug
35
Other Substances
33

The DRE Numbers

2022 Missouri Certified DREs
2022 Missouri Certified DRE Instructors
2022 Agencies with DREs

Comment Received via Email to Robert Paul, Statewide DRE/SFST Coordinator:

“I just wanted to send you a message to let you know how much more enjoyable these training sessions are. I can honestly say I dreaded them in the past.

…You are so easy to speak with, and have always been so helpful anytime I needed anything. You appear so knowledgeable about this subject with an outstanding attitude and personality.

Thank you again for the way you do your job!!!”