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Drug Recognition Evaluator Program

DRE Program logo On behalf of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), we would like to welcome you to the Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) web site.

The CHP and its DRE members are excited to have this site up and running. Hopefully, this web site will assist you in receiving information regarding the DRE Program within California.

The use of DREs is an effective means of identifying and prosecuting drug impaired individuals. DREs in police work have gained acceptance and approval throughout the United States due to their accuracy and effectiveness. With DRE training, the road patrol officer is far more likely to detect the drug impaired individual.

Since 1983, the CHP has provided training to departmental employees and allied law enforcement agencies. In 1991, the CHP entered into a contract with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which established the CHP as the statewide Drug Evaluation and Classification Program coordinator for the purpose of expanding the DRE Program to a national level. Consequently, the DRE Program was certified by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as meeting NHTSA's standards.

Currently, California has 3,000 certified IACP DREs representing 110 police departments, 30 sheriff's departments, 15 federal, and 12 state law enforcement agencies. Since 1992, the CHP has evaluated and arrested over 50,000 suspects utilizing the DRE protocol.

As the statewide DRE Coordinator, the CHP is responsible for ensuring the standards and guidelines are being adhered to and the training is being offered statewide.

The CHP's DRE and Impaired Driving Unit (IDU) is housed at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento and staffed by a Lieutenant, a Sergeant and four Officers.

DRE Curriculum Vitae

The DRE curriculum vitae is your professional DRE resume. As a DRE, you are already aware that you are required to keep an updated resume. This resume must be updated and presented at the time of your recertification. The curriculum vitae will assist you in keeping the resume updated, as well as assisting the DRE coordinators in maintaining your records.  Continue here for the form and instructions. for completing the form.

National DRE Tracking Program

Data Tracking System User Manual

 


For questions and comments regarding the CHP DRE Program, please email dre@chp.ca.gov.