Advanced Narcotics Investigations

Training for Experienced Investigators Handling Complex Cases

This course is built for seasoned narcotics officers looking to expand beyond short-term operations and into the world of sophisticated, sustained investigations. It’s designed for those who already know how to run a buy — and are ready to run an organization into the ground.

We take a deep dive into the tools, legal frameworks, and operational strategies required to build complex cases that survive scrutiny and flip targets up the chain. You’ll learn how to blend traditional surveillance with tech-enabled tactics like GPS tracking, pings, and pole cams — and how to layer those tactics into clean, constitutional warrant affidavits.

We also tackle the logistics behind long-term operations: how to manage CIs and undercovers without compromising safety or integrity, how to use technical support units effectively, and how to leverage asset forfeiture to cut into criminal infrastructure.

The course is taught with a series of real-world case studies, each chosen to illustrate critical decision points, case law, and operational best practices in long-form narcotics work.

Prerequisite: 

This course assumes a working knowledge of narcotics investigations and is intended for officers already assigned to drug units or task forces.

Instructors: 

Tanner Jenkins and Scott Courrege, J.D. (See "About Us" for bios.)

Topics:

• Initiating Complex Cases: From Tips to Targets

• Drug Unit Operations Refresher

• Physical Surveillance: Planning, Mitigation, and Coordination

• Technical Support Integration:

  • GPS Trackers

  • Pole Cameras

  • Real-Time Pings

• Search Warrants for Electronic Surveillance

  • Articulation of Probable Cause

  • Device Targeting Strategies

• Managing Long-Term Confidential Informants

• Risk Mitigation During High-Stakes Warrant Executions

• Asset Forfeiture: Strategic Use in Long-Term Investigations

• Case Studies: Tactical & Legal Lessons from Mid- to Long-Term Cases

What You’ll Leave With:

• Tactical and legal frameworks for sustaining long-term cases

• Surveillance and tech integration playbooks

• Insights from real operations — successes and screw-ups

• Risk management strategies for high-complexity operations