Drug Enforcement and the Patrol Officer
Jan Bowden, Vicky Manning · 2006
In many parts of the nation, the uniformed patrol officer has not been used to the greatest extent possible in drug control. When properly trained and motivated, a patrol officer is in an excellent position to make drug seizures and the associated arrests simply because drugs travel the streets and highways every day. During a tour of duty, a patrol officer logically can expect to encounter someone who is transporting illegal drugs or in possession of small amounts of drugs. The officer, however, must be trained to recognize the signs that may indicate illegal activity, know where to look for concealed drugs, and understand the legal requirements for a proper search, seizure, and arrest.