Advanced Police Narcotics Training
Advanced police narcotics training is preceded by the completion and passing of informative training courses provided by police agencies and through the statewide International Drug Evaluation & Classification program (DECP) and/or the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Either way, a patrol officer's successful track record on the streets, such as dealing with local drug incidents, arresting drug dealers and lowering drug-related crimes throughout his patrol district makes him a potential candidate for working with an advanced narcotics task force.
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Advanced Narcotics Operations Training
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Advanced narcotics task force trainees take specialized courses to learn the ins and outs of breaking into drug suppliers' intricate organizations. Each department has different courses, such as statewide criminal groups operating within the community. Other classes that offer a higher level of narcotics activity intelligence must be taken outside a department's jurisdiction; for example, a DEA course about a drug cartel's foundation within the United States and the Department of Justice's course on criminal networks that operate within federal and state prison systems, as well as the Advanced Drug Enforcement Seminar on specialized investigate techniques for drug trafficking. The length of courses varies, from two to four weeks.
Deep Familiarization
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Trainees learn that it's very hard to infiltrate the inner workings of an illegal operation that involves millions or even billions of dollars in earnings, influential drug dealers and secret transportation. By studying detailed tactical blueprints for a certain case, senior officers guide trainees through ways to break down a drug organization. Trainees also learn how to rely on informants to gain information that may lead to arrests. But, they are almost made aware that it can take months or even years to gain a dependable informant who is willing to turn against a drug organization.
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On-the-Job Training
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An advanced narcotics task force trainee applies his years of street patrol experience to each situation while following the lead of senior officers. For example, during a forced entry at a drug dealer's house he helps to secure the place by making sure all occupants do not pose any threats with weapons. Usually, the length of this field training period depends on task force needs and the trainee's ability to do his duty without any supervision.
Further Training
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Advanced trainees can enroll in optional in-depth courses such as Real-Time Analytical Intelligence Database (RAID) Training, a computer tool to help narcotic task forces organize and share case information through different police departments and specialized agencies like the FBI. Georgia Tech Research Institute offers a program to train first responders how to safely investigate a methamphetamine lab where contents are explosive. The course periods run three days to three weeks, depending on the curriculum. Some specialized classes are mandatory in some departments, such as S.W.A.T. training.
Significance
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The focus of advanced police narcotics training is to assure community safety by alleviating escalating drug activity throughout the department's jurisdiction. Throughout the training period new advanced narcotics police are constantly reminded that informants can't be fully trusted and unforeseen dangerous circumstances can occur on a daily basis. However, most trainees go on to become dedicated enforcers in the ongoing fight against drugs by infiltrating trafficking structures and capturing evasive criminals.
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