Officer Andrew Weaver Achieves Drug Recognition Certification

Officer Andrew Weaver of the Washington Township Police Department has reached a significant professional milestone by graduating from the Pennsylvania Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) School No. 37 in September 2025. This certification strengthens the department’s capacity to combat impaired driving effectively. As a certified DRE, Weaver is equipped with specialized training to identify individuals operating vehicles under the influence of drugs and to ascertain the specific categories of substances involved.

The Washington Township Police Department set a strategic objective to have at least one officer certified as a DRE. Weaver was chosen for this role due to his dedication, extensive experience, and demonstrated leadership abilities. He has played a pivotal role in driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement, achieving a notable number of DUI-related arrests and leading initiatives within the Franklin County DUI Task Force. His pursuit of this certification underscores a commitment to maintaining high standards within law enforcement.

Rigorous Training and Certification Process

The DRE School is recognized for its demanding training curriculum, which includes comprehensive instruction, practical exercises, and a week-long field certification phase. Officer Weaver successfully navigated this rigorous process and passed a thorough final examination, earning his credentials from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). With this achievement, he joins an elite group of fewer than 250 certified DRE officers in Pennsylvania.

Weaver’s expertise is now a valuable asset not only for the Washington Township community but also for neighboring municipal and state police departments that may lack a certified DRE for impaired driving investigations. His ability to conduct these evaluations enhances the department’s commitment to community safety and reinforces regional safety standards.

As a certified DRE, Officer Weaver’s role extends beyond his immediate jurisdiction, allowing him to assist other law enforcement agencies in their efforts to address impaired driving issues. This capability further establishes him as a critical resource in promoting public safety and ensuring that high standards are upheld in law enforcement practices.

This achievement exemplifies Officer Andrew Weaver’s dedication to excellence in his field and reflects the Washington Township Police Department’s ongoing commitment to improving community safety through specialized training and expertise.