NCJ Number
65992
Date Published
1979
Length
6 pages
Annotation
THE GATHERING, EVALUATING, AND REPORTING OF INFORMATION ABOUT ILLICIT DRUG ACTIVITY ARE DESCRIBED IN THIS POLICE TRAINING KEY; SECTIONS ON UNRELATED ARRESTS, CLANDESTINE LABORATORIES, AND EVIDENCE ARE INCLUDED.
Abstract
THE REPORT DESCRIBES THE VARIED KINDS OF PEOPLE LIKELY TO PROVIDE INFORMATION FOR INTELLIGENCE GATHERING. IT OUTLINES CONDITIONS THAT INDICATE DRUG ACTIVITY, INCLUDING AN UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBER OF CARS AND PEOPLE NEAR A RESIDENCE, QUICK ENTRY AND EXIT OF CUSTOMERS, AND EXISTENCE OF 'SHOOTING GALLERIES' (AREAS WHERE HEROIN ADDICTS EITHER BUY AND IMMEDIATELY USE THE DRUG OR JUST ADMINISTER THE HEROIN). DIFFERENT TYPES OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA ARE DESCRIBED. THE REPORT ALSO LISTS QUESTIONS OFFICERS SHOULD ASK WHEN ARRESTING PERSONS WHO HAVE WHAT APPEARS TO BE PRESCRIBED DRUG IN THEIR POSSESSION. SUGGESTIONS FOR IDENTIFYING, SEIZING, AND SEARCHING THE PREMISES OF CLANDESTINE LABORATORIES ARE GIVEN. THE REPORT ALSO DESCRIBES HOW TO EVALUATE AN OBJECT'S POTENTIAL EVIDENTIARY VALUE, HOW TO MARK EVIDENCE PROPERLY FOR IDENTIFICATION, HOW TO WEIGH EVIDENCE, PARTICULARLY EXPENSIVE EVIDENCE, AND HOW TO SEAL AND LABEL DIFFERENT DRUGS. THE REPORT EMPHASIZES THAT ACCOUNTABILITY FOR DRUG EVIDENCE IN THE POLICE OFFICER'S CONTROL IS IMPORTANT THAT SECURITY MEASURES SHOULD BE USED, AND THAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO OBTAIN JUDICIAL SANCTIONS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC RATHER THAN PHYSICAL EVIDENCE IN COURT. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE MATERIAL ARE GIVEN AND A RESOURCE PERIODICAL IS LISTED. (AOP)