Fighting Fentanyl

Certification

This course is certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Training Mandates

This course meets state guidelines for the following mandated subject areas:

• Procedural Justice  (every 3 yrs.)
• Lead Homicide Recertification  (16 hrs. credit)

Description

Fentanyl is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous and challenging drug-related threats to communities and law enforcement officials across the United States. Fentanyl is a synthetic opiate used as a surgical anesthetic or as a narcotic to treat chronic and severe pain.  It is most commonly used in cancer patients.  However, over the last couple of years Fentanyl has been blamed for the death of thousands of Americans. It is characterized by the CDC as an “incapacitating agent,” and provides a substantial risk to law enforcement.  Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin, whether through accidental contact or inhalation of airborne powder.  An amount the size of a few grains of salt can be enough to potentially kill a 250lb man.  Many law enforcement officers are not aware of these risks and the results can be deadly.

Day one of this program will focus on breaking down Fentanyl as well as the latest trends in packaging and distribution.  An emphasis will be placed on how to protect officers from accidental exposure and possible overdose.  From the onset of an overdose, an officer can die in less than 3 minutes. During this class, officers will learn how to recognize the symptoms and respond to an officer overdose.  In addition, participants will learn how to collect, process, and preserve Fentanyl evidence while minimizing an exposure.  Day two will focus on investigative techniques involving Fentanyl cases.  Best practices for undercover operations and/or controlled buys will be discussed in detail. Proactive overdose investigations will also be covered.

Topics

• Why Fentanyl?
• Risks to Law Enforcement
• Recognition and Awareness
• Symptoms of Exposure
• Response to Accidental Exposure
• Overdose Death Investigations
• Preserving Evidence on Patrol and During UC Operations
• Packaging and Distribution Methods
• Undercover Operations involving Heroin/Fentanyl
• Current Fentanyl Trends and Cutting Agents
• Evidence Handling and Safety Precautions

Instructor