The DRE Protocol is a 12-part examination that drug recognition experts use to determine:
- -If a suspect is impaired
- -If impairment is due to drugs or a medical condition
- -If impairment is due to drugs, which category of drugs
Step 1 – Breath Alcohol Test
-To determine whether alcohol may be contributing to any observed impairment.
Step 2- Interview of arresting Officer
Step 3- Preliminary Examination
-Systematically assessing the subject’s appearance, behavior, medical questions. Initial estimation of pupil size, tracking, and first pulse.
Step 4- HGN, VGN, LOC
Step 5- Divided Attention Tests
-Roberg Balance, Walk and Turn, One Leg Stand, Finger to Nose
Step 6- Vitals Signs
-second pulse, blood pressure and body temperature
Step 7- Darkroom Examination
-DRE will measure the subject’s pupils and pupillary reaction to light.
Step 8- Muscle Tone
Step 9- Examination for injection sites
Step 10- Interview/ Statements
-At this time the DRE will ask the subject questions regarding the drug category he believes is causing the impairment.
Step 11- DRE’s Opinion
Step 12- Toxicology
