Training Event Details - Acadis® Portal

Brief Description

DRE Class

Full Description

The next DRE School will be held in Sioux Falls March 1 – 5, 8 – 12, 2027.

Field certification training will be held in San Francisco, CA April 6 – 11, 2027.

The Drug Evaluation and Classification (DEC) Program has received national acclaim for its success in identifying the drug-impaired driver. Officers trained as drug recognition experts (DREs) are frequently called upon to differentiate between drug influence and medical and/or mental disorders and their training is an extremely valuable tool in combating the adverse impact of drug- and alcohol-impaired driving in our communities. The DRE School is extremely demanding. To receive certification as a DRE, two phases of training must be completed. The following summarizes each phase:

ACADEMIC TRAINING: This phase is typically conducted over nine days (72 hours). It includes courses in physiology, vital signs, standardized field sobriety testing (SFST), and extensive information on each of the seven categories of the drugs of abuse. The training includes three written examinations, an SFST proficiency examination and five written quizzes. Students must achieve a minimum of 80% on the three examinations and must demonstrate proficiency in administering the SFST in order to progress to the certification phase.

CERTIFICATION PHASE: After successfully completing the academic portion, the students must complete the certification phase. It is the student's responsibility to complete the certification requirements within six months following the DRE School. These requirements include conducting a minimum of 12 drug influence evaluations while under the supervision of a DRE instructor; identifying subjects under the influence of three of the seven drug categories; and attaining a 75% toxicological confirmation rate. In addition, the student must maintain a progress log, rolling log and submit a curriculum vitae (CV). Finally, the student must pass a comprehensive final knowledge examination, and obtain the written endorsement of two certified DRE instructors.

DRE certification is valid for two years. In order to maintain certification, DREs must conduct a minimum of four evaluations every two years, submit an updated rolling log, an updated CV, and attend eight hours of approved recertification training.

Training Dates

03/01/2027 - 03/12/2027

Training Times

08:00 AM to 05:00 PM

Fee

None Specified

Training Location

Sioux Falls

TBA
Sioux Falls, SD 57104 (Minnehaha County)

Resources Required

To be considered for DRE training, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
• Must have a minimum of two years of law enforcement service
• Must have attended ARIDE Training
• Must be off probation with your agency
• Must be working in patrol with your agency
• Must be SFST trained and proficient in its use
• Must have a reasonable background and experience level of making DWI arrests.
• Must have an endorsement/recommendation from your local prosecutor.
• Must submit a minimum of two actual DWI arrest reports for review.

Reporting Instructions

None Specified

Documents

DRE School Application

Signup Details

Applications must be received by February 1, 2027.

See the attached application.

State of South Dakota | Law Enforcement Training

Non-LET - Drug Recognition Expert School - DRE - Sioux Falls

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