Street Level Narcotics Investigations, Richmond Police Department NARCO2026-01

About this course

“The thing was to proceed carefully, to build the case step by step, and not make a mistake that would ruin everything.” — Eliot Ness

Course Overview

This course is tailored to new detectives and those looking to sharpen their investigative skills. If you thrive on the adrenaline of drug interdiction and street-level investigations, this course is built for you. Dive into the full lifecycle of a narcotics case—from pinpointing your target to executing high-impact arrests, tactical search warrants, and effective post-operation follow-up. Designed for officers who demand results, every module delivers actionable strategies to dominate the street and dismantle drug networks. You'll master covert surveillance across diverse environments, develop and manage high-value confidential informants, conduct controlled buys with maximum officer safety, and coordinate tactical takedowns and rescue operations. Emphasis is placed on documentation, deconfliction, threat assessment, and team tactics—so your investigations are both bulletproof in court and successful on the street. Classroom instruction is paired with immersive, scenario-based discussions that sharpen your real-time decision-making, reinforce officer safety, and ensure legal compliance during fast-paced, high-risk narcotics operations.

What will the student learn?

• Proven Narcotics unit tactics and operational flow that work in real-world scenarios
• Covert surveillance techniques for houses, hotels, businesses, and high-traffic areas—tailored for dynamic drug enforcement. Including tactics for tailing suspects.
• Advanced confidential informant (CI) recruitment, management, and documentation for actionable intelligence
• Planning and executing controlled buys with officer safety and successful prosecution in mind
• Identifying and developing targets using cutting-edge databases and intelligence platforms
• Building probable cause with rock-solid surveillance, bulletproof controlled purchase techniques, and tactical traffic stops
• Preparing, obtaining, and executing search warrants with tactical precision
• Orchestrating buy/bust operations and high-impact team takedowns
• Securing, documenting, and preserving evidence to ensure your cases hold up in court
• Responding to overdose scenes and conducting thorough follow-up investigations
• Overview of what it takes to charge Dealing Resulting in Death

• What will the student be required to do? 

  Officers will engage in dynamic, scenario-driven classroom sessions focused on real-world investigative strategies, tactical operational planning, and critical legal considerations.

   

  You will be expected to:

   

  • Develop realistic investigative scenarios drawn from real cases

  • Demonstrate mastery of confidential informant handling and controlled purchase procedures

  • Complete investigative documentation exercise to reinforce best practices

  •  Apply threat assessment principles to tactical  operational planning

  •  Critically assess officer safety protocols during narcotics operations

Course Breakdown

Train Hard * Train to Win

Course Intensity -This fast-paced, high-intensity course is designed for narcotics detectives who thrive on the front lines of drug interdiction. You'll dive into the realities of street-level narcotics enforcement, tackling advanced casework, high-risk operations, overdose responses, and confrontations with violent offenders. If you want training that pushes your limits and sharpens your tactical edge, this course delivers.

Physically Demanding -While primarily classroom-based, this course immerses you in the physical demands of tactical narcotics work. You'll break down and prepare for the realities of high-risk takedowns, dynamic rescue operations, and warrant execution, ensuring you're ready to move from classroom to field with confidence and skill.

Mentally Challenging -Street-level narcotics investigations demand sharp attention to detail, rapid decision-making, and expert risk management. You'll be challenged to think on your feet, anticipate threats before they develop, and adapt to fast-changing situations. This course is designed to strengthen your tactical mindset, helping you outthink and outmaneuver criminal organizations.

Core BuildingThis course delivers a tactical foundation for officers on patrol, in narcotics, or investigative units. You’ll develop battle-tested investigative instincts, reinforce officer safety protocols, and master the skills needed to build cases that stand up to the toughest scrutiny—on the street and in the courtroom.

Student Take Away

• A proven, tactical investigative framework for dominating street-level drug cases
• Advanced skills in confidential informant development and management to maximize actionable intelligence
• Sharpened surveillance tactics and operational planning tailored for high-risk environments
• A tactical approach to officer safety, so you and your team stay mission-ready and return home safe
• Confidence in building bulletproof documentation and search warrants that stand up in court

Course Accreditation/Certification/Completion

• The student will receive a certificate of course completion.

Course Hours

• Two Day, 16-hour course.
• No Re-certification is required.

Required Course Equipment

Attending students will need to be enrolled individually and online.  The student must provide proof of employment by credentials, work-verified email, or authorization from their agency’s training coordinator.  All students must be on duty and not forced to attend the training course.

Students are required to bring the following equipment with them to class.

• There are no required items to bring to this course.

**No live weapons, chemical agents, or intermediate weapons are allowed in the training area**