NCJ Number
58359
Journal
DRUG ENFORCEMENT Volume: 4 Issue: 1 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1977) Pages: 20-22
Date Published
1979
Length
3 pages
Annotation
THE CURRICULUM OF A CALIFORNIA NON-UNIFORM OFFICER SURVIVAL SCHOOL, WHICH TEACHES SURVIVAL TACTICS FOR NARCOTICS OFFICERS, IS OUTLINED.
Abstract
CALIFORNIA'S NARCOTICS DECRIMINALIZATION EFFORTS AND COURT DECISIONS RESTRICTING DRUG ENFORCEMENT, ALONG WITH ITS STRATEGIC GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION HAS IT MADE AN ATTRACTIVE AREA FOR LARGE-VOLUME DRUG DEALERS WHO SECURE THEIR OPERATIONS WITH TACTICS AND WEAPONRY THAT GREATLY ENDANGER THE LIVES OF NARCOTICS ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS. IN AN EFFORT TO PROVIDE NARCOTICS OFFICERS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS NECESSARY FOR SURVIVAL IN DRUG ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES, THE NON-UNIFORM OFFICER SURVIVAL SCHOOL WAS ESTABLISHED, USING THE FACILITIES AND STAFF OF THE SHERIFF'S ACADEMY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY. THE CURRICULUM PROVIDES FOR THE PRESENTATION OF ACTUAL SITUATIONS WHICH HAVE RESULTED IN OFFICER DEATHS, ANALYZED TO HELP TRAINEES AVOID THE FATAL MISTAKES EVIDENCED. EMPHASIS IS PLACED UPON EFFECTIVE MULTIAGENCY ENTRY INTO CAREFULLY GUARDED HOUSES, THE CIRCUMSTANCE MOST OFTEN CONFRONTING OFFICERS IN NARCOTICS ARREST SITUATIONS. A CLASS ON OFFICER SURVIVAL FIELD PROBLEMS STRESSES PROPER VEHICLE PULLOVER AND APPROACH METHODS. AS THE PROBLEM OF RECOGNIZING AN OFFICER FROM ANOTHER AGENCY IN AN ARREST SITUATION HAS CREATED A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION, IDENTIFYING JACKETS FOR PERSONNEL OF VARIOUS AGENCIES IS RECOMMENDED. THE SCHOOL PROVIDES AN ENTIRE DAY OF INTENSE COMBAT SHOOTING AND SPECIALIZED WEAPONS TRAINING. THERE ARE 4 HOURS OF TRAINING IN MAKING UNDERCOVER NARCOTICS PURCHASES. THROUGHOUT THE COURSE, BASICS IN THE SOCIOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMS WHICH TEND TO PRECIPITATE CERTAIN THOUGHT AND ACTIONS IN BOTH THE VIOLATORS AND THE NARCOTICS OFFICERS WHICH COULD RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO AN OFFICER ARE DISCUSSED. SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE SCHOOL, VIRTUALLY ALL THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT'S PLAINCLOTHES DETECTIVE UNITS HAVE INDICATED AN INTEREST, WITH A VIEW TOWARD MODIFYING THE CURRICULUM FOR THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. (RCB)