NCJ Number
85009
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 30 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1982) Pages: 46-50
Date Published
1982
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the problems encountered by small police agencies in dealing with narcotics operations and suggests methods which should be emphasized to combat the problems.
Abstract
The chief administrator of a small agency may have several problems in dealing with narcotics operations, including familiarity of narcotics suspects with all members of the agency, lack of surveillance equipment, lack of funds for buy money or an undercover agent's salary, and political interference. Representatives of local agencies should meet regularly to compare and exchange information. In addition, search warrants are the easiest way for the small agency administrator to proceed against narcotics dealers. Extreme caution is required, however, when the warrant is served, and police investigators must be alert to all possible evidence which indicates the presence of illegal narcotics. Buy operations, in which the undercover agent purchases drugs from a suspect, can be dangerous and require a specific plan of action for all officers involved. Entrapment can be raised as a defense if the plan is not executed properly. All incidents related to the buy must be carefully documented in a concise report. Small agencies should take advantage of advanced training programs, grants, free seminars, and Federal inservice programs offered for local agencies.