Legal Definitions - drug-recognition expert

A Drug-Recognition Expert (DRE) is a law enforcement officer or other trained professional who possesses specialized skills in identifying individuals impaired by drugs or alcohol. These experts undergo rigorous training to understand the physiological and behavioral effects of various substances on the human body. Their expertise allows them to observe specific indicators and symptoms to determine if a person is under the influence of a controlled substance, and often, to identify the general category of drug causing the impairment.

Here are some examples illustrating the role of a Drug-Recognition Expert:

• Traffic Stop for Suspected Impaired Driving: A police officer pulls over a driver for swerving erratically. The driver passes a breathalyzer test, indicating no alcohol in their system, but still exhibits signs of impairment such as extremely slow reactions, pinpoint pupils, and difficulty following instructions. The officer, suspecting drug impairment, calls a DRE to the scene. The DRE conducts a standardized evaluation, including checking vital signs, eye movements, and muscle tone, ultimately concluding that the driver's symptoms are consistent with impairment by a central nervous system depressant, leading to further investigation.

  This example demonstrates how a DRE uses their training to identify specific signs and symptoms of drug intoxication, even when alcohol is not a factor, and to narrow down the type of substance causing the impairment.

• Workplace Incident Investigation: An employee operating heavy machinery at a manufacturing plant is involved in a minor accident, and supervisors notice they are unusually agitated, sweating profusely, and speaking rapidly and incoherently. The company has a policy requiring assessment for impairment in such situations. A DRE, who might be a specially trained safety officer or an external consultant, is brought in to evaluate the employee. Based on their observations of the employee's behavior and physical signs, the DRE determines the individual is likely under the influence of a stimulant, posing a significant safety risk.

  Here, the DRE's role is crucial in a workplace setting to assess an individual's fitness for duty by recognizing the effects and symptoms of drug impairment, thereby preventing potential accidents and ensuring safety.

• Court Testimony in an Impaired Driving Case: During a trial for a defendant accused of driving under the influence of drugs, a DRE who evaluated the defendant at the time of arrest is called to testify. The DRE explains to the jury how they observed specific indicators, such as the defendant's inability to track a moving object with their eyes (lack of smooth pursuit), elevated blood pressure, and distinct odor on their person, which collectively led them to conclude the defendant was impaired by cannabis. The DRE's testimony provides expert opinion on the defendant's state of impairment based on their specialized training and observations.

  This illustrates the DRE's function as an expert witness, providing professional analysis and interpretation of observed symptoms to a court, helping to establish the presence and nature of drug impairment.