The Academy is a series of practical courses that offers information and skill development that can be used every day on the street. It will also deal with issues that supervisors need to be aware of, in order to keep their drug units from becoming a liability instead of a benefit. A series of two to three day courses, offered around Missouri, should make it easier to attend than a single, extended program. A certificate will be awarded for each course, as well as one for completion of the entire series. It is NOT required that the courses be completed in numerical order.
Any officer can develop and use informants.
They need to know what drugs are currently most popular, and the effects they have on the users. SWAT units are a great asset, but all competent officers can be trained to conduct effective raids. Undercover work is an art, which can be taught, along with how to manipulate situations to make them less dangerous than many patrol calls. Too little consideration is often given to which officers are suitable for the role, and which ones are likely to fail. These can be predictable outcomes if you know what to look for.