Managing Narcotics Informants (This course is being provided by the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center)

Registration Link: https://nctc.counterdrug.org/training/course-descriptions/managing-narcotics-informants/

Location: NC National Guard Fort Fisher Training Center

116 Air Force Way Building 116, Kure Beach, NC 28449

Lodging: Lodging is available on Ft. Fisher at a rate of $25/night. If you are planning on staying please reach out to SSG Boyd via email at marcquette.g.boyd.mil@army.mil or cell 7044009960.

Meals and Incidentals:  Responsibility of the Officer and their sponsoring agency

Course Description:

Confidential informants are critical tools for all levels of narcotic investigations. From street-level narcotic buys to complex conspiracy investigations, informant information can make or break the case. Narcotic officers must learn to properly cultivate and develop informants to have success in arresting drug violators and seizing large quantities of drugs, firearms, and U.S. currency. Historically, police agencies provide very little training to officers that manage informants. This practice often leads to highly publicized scandals, which could include officers being disciplined, fired, or sent to prison for the way they handled their informant. One of the primary causes of informant scandals is the lack of written policies and procedures.

To adequately maintain control over informants, law enforcement agencies must clearly define what activities informants are permitted to participate in as well as prohibited activities. Written policies will also add accountability for officers responsible for managing an informant. This two-day training course will provide proven techniques and strategies to cultivate, maintain and control informants. Sample policies, procedures, and informant agreements developed by Professional Law Enforcement Training (PLET) will be presented to officers to better prepare the officers to deal with informant scandals. Officers will participate in case studies where informants were murdered under the watchful eye of law enforcement. In many instances, the controlling detective and the police agency were held accountable for improper informant procedures. Techniques will be presented to assist officers in minimizing the risks associated with informant operations.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Conduct techniques to protect the identity of their informants
2. Cultivate informants
3. Document informants and maintain adequate filing procedures
4. Identify various options to provide financial compensation to informants
5. Document informant agreement
6. Identify the disadvantage of using high-level informants
7. Properly draft confidential informant search warrants

Prerequisites: None

Course Length: 3 days/ 24 hours

Who May Attend: Law Enforcement