Course Overview

Narcotic investigators are faced with a challenging and dynamic assignment of proactively targeting individuals involved in the illicit manufacture, distribution, and/or possession of narcotics. Often, investigators are assigned to a narcotics unit and receive limited training. This can inadvertently lead to critical errors in various aspects of narcotic-related investigations. This five-day training course will adequately prepare officers with the tools they need to conduct a narcotics investigation successfully. Officers will receive in-depth training on common street drug identification, paraphernalia, cutting agents, current prices, and terminology. Confidential informants are a critical tool for all levels of narcotic investigations.
 
Narcotic officers must learn to properly cultivate and develop informants in order to have success in arresting drug violators and seizing large quantities of drugs, firearms, and U.S. currency. Marijuana grow, and clandestine lab operations are becoming more and more complex. Historically, clandestine labs primarily focused on methamphetamine. Criminals are now making a variety of drugs in labs to include: phencyclidine (PCP), NBOMe (Synthetic LSD), and various types of other synthetic drugs. Information will be presented to help officers recognize clandestine lab operations and safely process the scenes. Search, and seizure laws are constantly changing and greatly impact officers working in narcotics investigations. 
 
 From consent searches to warrantless searches, officers must understand the various interpretations of the 4th amendment. Up-to-date case law will be presented as well as proper protocol for drafting and executing narcotic-related search warrants. Controlled buy operations are extremely unpredictable and have the potential to turn deadly in a split second. Many controlled buy operations proactively target the worst criminals operating in communities by using undercover law enforcement officers or confidential informants. Techniques and strategies will be presented to minimize the risk associated with buy operations.