Reading Assignment for Section 7.4

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 7.4: Drug Investigations.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you’ll explore the various types of drug crimes, such as possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking, and understand the significant impact these crimes have on individuals, communities, and public health. You’ll learn about the key procedures for initial response and scene assessment in drug investigations, focusing on securing the area, identifying signs of drug activity, and implementing safety precautions when handling hazardous substances. Additionally, you’ll analyze the techniques and tools used in evidence collection and forensic analysis, including the role of forensic laboratories and drug databases. Finally, you’ll evaluate strategies for undercover operations and the legal considerations in drug trafficking investigations, and discuss the role of technology, community policing, and interagency cooperation in modern drug enforcement.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 7.4

• SLO 1: Identify and describe the different types of drug crimes, including possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking, and explain the impact of these crimes on individuals, communities, and public health.
• SLO 2: Explain the key procedures for initial response and scene assessment in drug investigations, including securing the area, identifying signs of drug activity, and implementing safety precautions when handling hazardous substances.
• SLO 3: Analyze the techniques and tools used in evidence collection and forensic analysis for drug investigations, such as the identification and preservation of physical and chemical evidence, and the role of forensic laboratories and drug databases.
• SLO 4: Evaluate the strategies and legal considerations involved in conducting undercover operations, surveillance, and investigating drug trafficking and distribution networks, including the use of electronic surveillance, financial investigations, and international cooperation.
• SLO 5: Discuss the role of technology, community policing, and interagency cooperation in modern drug enforcement, including the challenges posed by cybercrime, the dark web, and the evolving landscape of drug laws and trends.