D.O.P.E. Drug Operations Proven Effective - Patrol Edition

Patrol officers are often the first to encounter the individuals, evidence, and intelligence that initiate successful narcotics investigations. Recognizing these opportunities—and knowing how to capitalize on them—can transform a routine call for service into a significant criminal case.

This comprehensive one-day course provides patrol officers with practical investigative techniques and street-proven strategies that are often underutilized or overlooked. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, officers will learn how to identify narcotics-related criminal activity, recognize current drug trends, and properly identify controlled dangerous substances, drug paraphernalia, and other indicators of illegal drug distribution and use.

Course topics include current drug trends, drug and paraphernalia identification, developing and utilizing confidential informants, effective interview and questioning techniques, identifying investigative opportunities during routine patrol, conducting preliminary investigations into overdose deaths, preserving evidence, and coordinating with detectives and prosecutors to expand investigations.

By the end of the course, officers will have the knowledge and confidence to recognize investigative opportunities, gather actionable intelligence, and conduct legally sound preliminary investigations that strengthen prosecutions and contribute to dismantling criminal drug networks.