Expert Drug Witness Course

Date and Duration of Course
This course is of one week's duration and will run as follows:
1 – 5 December 2008
12 – 16 January 2009
26 – 30 January 2009
2 – 6 February 2009
9 – 13 March 2009
Criteria
Officers having attained 5 years or more within the police service and who have had involvement in drugs investigation, within a drug squad or team for at least 2 of those years.
Aim
To equip the students in all specialised aspects of slang drug identification and terminology in order for them to decode such terms for the benefit of the court.
Content
Interpreting forensic statements
Interpreting dealer lists
Drug trends
Identification of slang terms and usage levels
Drug dependency issues
Role of the expert defence witness
Case law
Role of the barrister
Courtroom skills
Presentation of evidence
Cost
Tuition only: £1,050
Residential: £1,260 – these costs are subject to increase from April 2008

Chemical Liaison Course (formerly called the Specialised Investigation of Illicit Drugs Production Course}
Date and Duration of Course
This five day course is running
23 – 27 March 2009
Criteria
This course is suitable for detectives and police staff who are involved in drugs law enforcement, especially those performing the role of Chemical Liaison Officers.
Aim
To raise the overall awareness of officers engaged in the liaison with Chemical Companies to enable them to identify possible diversion of chemicals for the illicit use in the manufacture of synthetic Controlled Drugs and explosives.
Content
The course involves three phases, which include:
a. Information
b. Intelligence
c. Practical investigation skills
This incorporates the following:
Precursor chemicals
Chemical diversion
National and international legislation
Equipment identification
Crime Prevention
Health and Safety relating to illicit laboratory sites
The synthesis of drugs
Role of the Compliance Officer
Disclosure
National Counter Terrorist Security Advice
Cost
Tuition only: £1,195
Residential: £1,405 - – these costs are subject to increase from April 2008 



Controlled Drugs Liaison Officers Course (formerly called the Chemist Inspection Officers/Controlled Drugs Inspectors Course)
Date and Duration of Course
This five day course is running: 
23 – 27 February 2009
Criteria
The course is aimed at experienced officers/police staff/Accountable Officers who are going to, or already are, performing the role within their Force or Healthcare provider and where appropriate have a drugs investigation background.
Aim
To provide Controlled Drugs Liaison Officer and Accountable Officer with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of their roles and responsibilities in respect of the legislation and including inspection, investigation, intelligence gathering, crime prevention and liaison between the various agencies.
Content
Shipman Enquiry
Health Act 2006
Intelligence Handling, grading and dissemination
Basic Pharmacology
Misuse of Drugs Act and Regulations
Role of the RPSGB
Role of the Pharmaceutical Fraud Team
Community Pharmacy
Role of the MHRA
Prescriptions
Powers of Entry, Search and Seizure
Custody of Controlled Drugs
Cost
Tuition only: £1,050
Residential: £1,260 – these costs are subject to increase from April 2008