Drug Investigative Techniques (DITC)

Purpose

The general purpose of this course is to develop the knowledge, skills and investigative techniques essential to the successful investigation and prosecution of drug related offences and organizations/groups involved in the drug trade.

Emphasis is placed on the handling and management of informants, surveillance techniques, and the preparation of warrants and other judicial authorizations. Candidates will also be exposed to drug identification, investigative interviewing and interrogation techniques, undercover operations, electronic interception (wiretap) investigations, officer safety/raid planning as well as gain an appreciation of major case management principles, intelligence analysis and the ethical issues surrounding drug investigations.

Group brainstorming and scenario-based training are a vital component towards achieving the objectives of the course as well as discussion on the latest trends, techniques and court decisions (Case Law) and their impact / application to drug enforcement.

Course content

1. Drug legislation (statute and case law)
2. Arrest, search and seizure, and court disclosure
3. Drug identification and properties
4. Clandestine and Hydroponic labs
5. Intelligence analysis and information/intelligence management
6. Human source management and recruitment
7. Investigative interviewing techniques
8. Surveillance techniques
9. Proceeds of crime, money laundering and financial considerations
10. Court testimony as an investigator and/or expert witness
11. Investigational practices, techniques and trends
12. Major case management principles and multi-jurisdictional investigations
13. Organized crime and conspiracies
14. Preparation of warrants and other judicial authorizations
15. Undercover operations
16. Officer safety issues and raid planning

Selection criteria

Police officers who wish to attend this course must be assigned to a specialized unit mandated to investigate drug offences and have no more than three (3) years experience as a drug investigator.

Student assessment

To obtain certification, the students must attend all sessions provided in the syllabus and participate in all practical / problem-based scenarios. Students will be evaluated on their participation and assignments while on the course and will be required to complete all projects and assignments related to the topics covered.

Duration of course: Fifteen working days.

Location: At the Canadian Police College and Ottawa area for some of the scenario-based training sessions.

Class size: A maximum of twenty-four (24) students.

Language of instruction: This course is offered in English and French.