Police departments have begun using Social Media to aid in investigations into suspected drug dealers either officially or unofficially they are being conducted.  Any case involving possible drug use can mean searching for photographs and posts across platforms that would indicate potential and support narcotics investigations.

These types of investigations include searching and setting up alerts for specific terms relating to drug use. In some cases, a sting can be set up to see if the individual is dealing drugs or affiliated with a dealer.

This course will train officers to investigate illegal activity conducted on the internet through the use of social media such as Facebook, Snap Chat and more.

Course Content

This course consists of techniques to train officers to gather information and valuable intelligence on gang members and drug suspects through online investigations.

Introduction to Social Networking & Media

Where it started and how it evolved foo Law Enforcement use today

Policy and Protocol for having an effective Social Media/Online Investigative operation.

Legal 1st Amendment – 4th Amendment  

What gives us the right to conduct searches. Can we?

Can we make a fake account legally? Can we surveil someone electronically? 

Can we friend follow Someone?

Can we interact with a target and what gives us this authority and where is the line….

Basic Search Platforms

Search Warrants/Subpoenas/ Department Letters..

Free tools Open source?

C.I. and their accounts  and how to effectively develop a policy for use of their Social media 

Forms and policy development

Dealing with law enforcement Portals and the Platforms

Looking at it from their point of view to extract what you need.

You have a great investigation now what do you do with it?

Documenting your investigation

Chain of custody for evidence and screen captures.

Working Up the Chain in Narcotics Investigations Finding and Cooperative Individuals 

Facebook Closed Groups

How Gangs and Traffickers are communicating.

Is the wire dead? Can we learn from anything from encrypted data?  

Setting up & maintaining covert undercover accounts Overview

Instructor Biography

Neal McLoughlin

Neal is a supervisor with a major Midwest Law Enforcement agency in which he has held a variety of positions in his over 20-year distinguished career. Neal holds an M.B.A. from St. Xavier University and received his C.F.E. designation in 2005. He was a course developer and instructor for CPD (Career Professional Development a Law Enforcement training company). He most recently coordinated a program involving Federal agencies as well as State and Local law enforcement. Resources were combined under his direction and resulted in a targeted 53 criminal cases in a 90-day period via social media. The program was recognized, and its methods are being emulated through the DOJ for use in local law enforcement through NDCAC The National Domestic Communications Assistance Center (NDCAC) is a National center, organized under the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Course Certification Information