Under the guidelines listed in the IACP International Standards for the DEC Program, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is responsible for designating the DRE state coordinator. The selection may be made by the individual Governor’s Highway Safety Representative or by any means approved by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
Qualifications to be a DRE state coordinator vary from state to state and are dependent upon the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. It is not a requirement that the state coordinator be a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) or has DRE background. However, some states have adopted this standard to ensure that the DRE state understands and is familiar with the DRE process, program and requirements. In addition, the state coordinator does not have to be a sworn law enforcement officer, unless directed by the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.
The DRE must coordinator must ensure that the DEC program is properly and effectively administered. The state coordinator must be able to work in partnership with federal, state, and local groups and organizations. The state coordinator should also be familiar with: