Street Drug Investigation: A Practical Guide for Plainclothes and Uniformed Personnel

This book addresses the problem of illicit drugs and their far-reaching and serious consequences that permeate all levels of American society. Following an examination of the history of drugs and alcohol in the United States, which concludes with perspectives on what can be done to reduce the demand for illicit drugs, the text provides a very thorough review of illicit drug identification. This includes all levels of narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, steroids, and cannabis as well as their description, effects, appearance, methods of ingestion, principle users, sources, and street names. Additional major topics include drug enforcement techniques, such as knock and talk investigations; the intelligence process; managing informants; plainclothes, undercover, and uniformed drug investigations; conspiracy investigations; investigation of clandestine drug laboratories; asset forfeiture; sources of investigation; search warrants and raid planning; report writing and courtroom testimony; and physical surveillance and surveillance photography. Written in a clear and concise style, the book will be a valuable resource to any law enforcement professional whether involved in undercover, plainclothes, or uniformed investigation and whether in a small or large police department. Regardless of the reader’s professional level, the text provides a foundation of knowledge that is practical and useful.