NCJ Number
228449
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2009 Pages: 52,54,57
Date Published
August 2009
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article outlines steps for initiating a narcotics investigation strategy in a rural setting.
Abstract
Agency heads should first determine whether a controlled-substance problem exists in their jurisdictions. Using surveys, studying arrest statistics, and conversing with adjoining agencies will indicate the problem's severity. Hospitals and counseling centers should also be surveyed. If the jurisdiction is determined to have a substance-abuse problem, an agency must then decide on the most effective investigatory strategy. Rural narcotics investigations must be documented, so there is no doubt that the investigation was conducted in accordance with law and policy. In small agencies, every employee, whether sworn or unsworn, may have a need to know about the investigation and how it is being conducted. In small agencies, one or even a few individuals should not possess vital information that is kept from other employees. Nonsworn personnel in small departments have important responsibilities that contribute directly to the agency's mission. Regarding training in drug investigations, some agencies pool training assets, which involves one officer receiving formal training and then being used to train other agency employees. After the agency has readied itself and its employees to conduct drug investigations, the community must become involved. This includes building media relations and educating the community about the dangers of drugs as well as the signs and symptoms of various drugs. Citizen participation should also be encouraged by training citizens to become the eyes and ears of the police department in recognizing suspicious activity associated with drug use and sales.