Course Length: 10 days (80 hours)

MCTFT Coordinators: Tom Ward (727-344-8042)

This all-encompassing counterdrug course allows participants to obtain the skills necessary to work within a multijurisdictional counterdrug task force, and through its resources, bring a drug trafficking case to prosecution. The Drug Training for Investigators training program introduces the skills required to initiate and bring to prosecution a drug trafficking case while assigned to a narcotics unit. The program begins with classroom lectures which provide the knowledge necessary to develop an investigation. As the course proceeds, a simulated scenario provides investigative leads for the participants. Scenario events will include informant interviews, undercover operations, foot and vehicle surveillance, raid and arrest practical exercises, and search warrant and courtroom preparation. The course also identifies the various military and civil support capabilities available to law enforcement. Drug Training for Investigators is an introductory course intended for law enforcement new to narcotics investigations. Since this is an introductory course the topics presented only cover basic concepts.

Course Objectives

  • Describe the value of working in a task force environment to achieve the goals of a complex drug investigation.
  • Describe current issues in narcotics enforcement.
  • Describe a variety of investigative strategies applicable to a drug investigation to include: analytical, use of informants, undercover operations and consensual encounters.
  • Identify the elements of a conspiracy.
  • Describe the types, advantages and disadvantages of specialized electronics that can be used in drug investigations.
  • Understand the basic principles of surveillance as they apply to the different types of surveillances performed by law enforcement.
  • Describe the requirements, legal aspects and subsequent preparation of a search warrant.
  • Describe the planning and execution of raids and/or search warrants from the tactical perspective to enhance survival skills and mission success.
  • Describe the prosecutor’s needs for a successful prosecution and what an officer will confront at the time of trial.

Overview of topics

  • Narcotics Enforcement Overview
  • Intelligence Process Overview
  • Sources of Information
  • Use of Informants
  • Pharmaceutical Investigations
  • Undercover Operations
  • Elements of Conspiracy
  • Consensual Encounters
  • Legal Aspects/Search Warrants
  • Specialized Electronics
  • Surveillance Techniques
  • Tactical Operations
  • Case and Courtroom Preparation

Course Schedule and Contacts:

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