The New York State Drug Evaluation Classification (DEC) Program
The program is managed by a coordinator who is on staff of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. New York has been participating since 1987 and is one the 46 states participating in the International Drug Evaluation & Classification Program.
The DEC Program operates under the guidance and direction of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) and is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Other trainings under the (DEC) Program are the Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) and Advance Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE). A list of currently scheduled training class is available at DRE & ARIDE Training Classes.
Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) police officers have been trained to observe the signs of drug and or alcohol impairment. DRE officers participate in training that has been approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). After successfully completing the training, all DRE officers are certified for two years and are expected to meet certain requirements to be considered for re-certification at the end of this period. Listing of NYS DRE Officers (pdf)
New York's Regional Coordinators
The New York program functions in partnership through an SFST/DRE Steering Committee whose members are comprised of representatives from the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee, the New York State Police, the state's Division of Criminal Justice Services, the state's STOP-DWI Program Coordinators Association, the NYS Enforcement Training Director's, the New York Prosecutor's Training Institute, the International Association of Chief's of Police and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This steering committee selects, trains and prepares police officers to become Drug Recognition Experts, to make a positive impact on drugged driving deterrence in New York State.
Use this link to find your Regional Coordinator. Contact the State Coordinator if you require additional information about this program.