
Welcome to AJ215-Vice and Narcotics
| Please print this page and complete the required sections. The recommend text is California Criminal Law Concepts, Derald D. Hunt, Minnesota: Burgess International Group, Inc., the publisher at telephone number; 612-820-4561, fax number; 612-831-3167 and address is; Burgess International Group, Inc., 7110 Ohms Lane, Edina, Minnesota, 55439-2143. The text is also available from Amazon.Com. There are no CD's/Audios Required! Please complete the discussion question for each unit. When you have completed your assignments, please submit your work to your instructor. The preferred method of submission is email. However, if you are mailing your assignment: |
Mail to:
Rio Hondo College
Department of Public Safety
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90608
Course Description:
This course covers code and case law of vice and narcotics focusing on the
detection, suppression, apprehension, and prosecution of violators. Special
emphasis is given to laws dealing with gambling, prostitution, sex crimes,
narcotic identification, and search and seizure as pertains to these types of
investigations.
Course Assignments
Unit 1- email your instructor and acknowledge due dates for completed
work and final exams.
Unit 2 - Overview of Vice and Narcotics. Describe the role of Vice and Narcotics enforcement as they impact the community.
Unit Overview: A noted doctor (in the field of drug abuse) told me that many doctors are prescribing prescription drugs to patients rather than dealing with and/or identifying the exact ailment. In other words, rather than helping the patient with the exact cause of their pain (for an example) they give them a pain-relieving pill. The reason for the pain might be a splinter in ones foot. The correct way to help this patient would be to remove the splinter, instead of prescribing drugs. This might account for why prescription drugs is in the top five items sold in the United States. There is a lot of profit in this area. It is a billion- dollar industry.
The above information also concurs with the belief that we as a society have a “feel good” attitude. The belief: if it feels good and if it does not hurt any one, it is okay. Look at some of the top company logos: Nike says, “just do it”, Burger King says, “you can have it your way” and McDonalds says, “you deserve a break today.” This type of an attitude is why anti-depressant prescription drugs are on the top of the most abused drugs on the market. People just want to feel good so they go to their doctor and tell him what they want. In return he prescribes them drugs, rather than (an example) have the patient go to counseling and deal with why they feel depressed or like they do.
Everyone knows that where there is a buck to be made, there is a person to try to rip you off. People have already been caught trying to fraudulently make fake “Viagra” pills (Phifers company newest drug to help impotency), which has just hit the sales market. This is the most important reason for the controls is to guarantee that what we buy, is what we are getting. Could you imagine a company selling birth control pills that did not work? This is why all prescribed drugs are investigated and thoroughly tested, by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) before being released to the public for mass consumption.
You may know of people going to another country to get treatment for cancer or AIDS. Why is this? Most of the other countries do not have the strict controls the U.S. has on prescription drugs. This is in my opinion for the best, so not to allow “quacks” or “fake” drugs into the United States. Unfortunately when a person is affected with a terminal illness they will go to all lengths to try to hang on to life, allowing fraudulent doctors from other countries to take advantage of them.
During this lesson you will review further the development of controls, by reviewing the Harrison Narcotic Act of 1914 and the current Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, Title 11 of which is more familiarly known as the Controlled Substance Act. This will enlighten you on the methods and reasons for controls which we have governing us today.
The following questions will be necessary to understand as we proceed through our lessons:
What is a “drug?” This word has different meaning to different people. Funk & Wagnall’s dictionary describes a drug as: “Any chemical or biological substance other than food, intended for the use in the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of disease.” Also described as “a narcotic.”
A traffic law enforcement officer would use the definition of section 312 of the California Vehicle Code which states: “A drug is any chemical substance, natural or synthetic which, when taken into the human body, can impair the ability of the person to operate a motor vehicle safely.”
Another broad definition a doctor might use is: “Any absorbed substance that changes or enhances any physical or psychological function in the body.”
What is “vice?” Described by Funk & Wagnall’s dictionary as: “An
immoral habit or trait.” “A slight personal fault.” “Habitual indulgence
in degrading or harmful practices.”
In the field of law enforcement this deals with prostitution, sexual
exploitations, and gambling of all types.
History notes:
Opium: is the dried extract of the incised seed capsule of the opium poppy plant, known as Papaver somniferum. It is known as an analgesic (painkiller). Grown in Southwest Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran) , Southeast Asia (Burma, Laos, and Thailand) in an area known as the Golden Triangle, and Mexico (Sinaloa, Chihuahua, and Durango). It is documented to have been around for approximate 4000 years.Morphine and Codeine: are two analgesic alkaloids of opium and are known as narcotic analgesics.
Heroin: known as diacetylmorphine, is a derivative from morphine first made in 1874 in Germany. It was a cough suppressant and pain reliever.
Cocaine: a local anesthetic and a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant alkaloid. It is obtained from the leaves of the South American shrub Erythroxylon coca. Grown in Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, and other South American countries. In the period 1200-1300, the Incas venerated the plant as an agent for communicating with the gods. Cocaine was an ingredient in the very first Coca-Cola product in about 1886. In 1906 it was removed and caffeine was added instead.
Marijuana: comes from the leaves and flowering tops of the Cannabis sativa plant. Marijuana has been around a long time, documented in one case about 5000 years ago. The most active euphoric item in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It can be grown almost anywhere, expect in the real cold and hot areas.
Peyote: is also known as a mescal button from a cactus produces hallucinogenic effects when ingested or smoked. Grown mostly in the Southwest part of North America it has been documented being used by the Aztec Indians in 1692.
Phencyclidine (PCP): was developed in the late 1950’s as an intravenous anesthetic, an analgesic (pain- killer), and for the treatment of mental disorders. In 1963 Parke, Davis and Company patented it in the U.S. as a drug named Sernyl. It was discontinued in 1967 for humans, but in 1968 became available to veterinarians for an animal tranquilizer. It currently is made illegally in “under-ground” style laboratories, anywhere, by mixing numerous chemical precursors, which are all very hazardous.
Methamphetamine and/or amphetamine: is a compound, which affect the central nervous system as a stimulant, accelerating it activities. In 1919 a Japanese chemist made the first synthetic substance known as Methylamphetamine. The true chemical compound name is Alpha-methyl-phenethyl-amine, a.k.a.: amphetamine or methamphetamine. Amphetamine is sold and made in the U.S. as a medically prescribed drug used for weight loss aid and a decongestant. Methamphetamine often abused, used as an “upper” by abusers. When it is not obtained legally, it is manufactured in clandestine labs in the U.S. and Mexico.
Unit 3 - Narcotic
Identification. Explain the facts pertaining to the drugs most
commonly abused today.
Unit Overview:
Unit 4 - Narcotic
Identification, Packaging & History. Discuss three different drugs and their symptoms and common
packaging methods.
Unit 5 - Narcotic Laws. Discuss
and identify the most common violations.
Unit 6 - Identification of a
Drug User. Identify and discuss three types of drug users and the
characteristics associated with the type of drug used.
Unit 7 - Suppression/
Apprehension Techniques for Traffickers. Describe and discuss
methods used to deter and apprehend the traffickers on the land, in the air and
at sea.
Unit 8 - Gambling, Prostitution
and Sex Crime Investigations. Describe and discuss
The most common drug of abuse in the U.S. is alcohol. Studies have shown
that more people have been killed from alcohol related deaths than all the
U.S. soldiers killed all the wars fought. This course will not go into
detail on alcohol, but will focus on all the illegal drugs most commonly
abused in the U.S. These drugs are the following: Amphetamines,
Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Codeine, Cocaine, Crystal Meth.,
Glue, Hallucinogens, Heroin, Ice, Inhalants, LSD, Psilocybin mushrooms,
Marijuana, Opiates, and Phencyclidine (PCP).
During the review of the "Web Assignment", you will obtain a lot
of facts which will enlighten you as to why the users use the drugs, the
effects they obtain, the cost and amounts taken to produce that effect. More
of this information will come in Unit #6. There are several very important
items to understand. They are the following: Crank (slang term for
methamphetamine) and Crack (slang term for rock cocaine) are often confused
with one or the other. Heroin comes in many forms, a tar-like substance, or
a white, tan, reddish, or brown powder. In Southern California it is rare to
see it in a white powder form (a.k.a. China white). Cocaine also comes in
many forms. It can be a white powder (cocaine hydrochloride) or a white
rock-like substance (cocaine base). One dissolves in water and the other
does not.
There are many descriptions of drugs. They are always changing. When we
think we've got them all figured out, changes are made to conceal their
identity, and/or other methods to process them are invented, changing their
color or appearance. When you go into the Web Sites listed below re: Drug
Fact Sheets, you will see all the different descriptions of all the drugs
mentioned above. You will notice that some of the drugs have a very unique
appearance. You will also notice that some are similar to others, like
powder cocaine and amphetamine often can look alike. There are also
"look alike drugs", also known as "placebos" which I
call fake or false drugs. These are the drugs, usually prescription style,
having no narcotic or euphoric effect when taken. They are often sold to
fool users and for dealers to make a large profit. So how can you tell if
they are real?
The best way to tell if the drugs are what you think they are is by chemical
testing. This is one of the jobs for most criminal laboratories. Will the
chemist come out on all cases where there are questions? Yes, if the case is
a large or significant one. However this is not likely on most cases. So the
officer or investigator will conduct what is called a field presumptive
test. This is a test, which will give you probable cause to arrest the
suspect if it shows the presence of the illegal drug or drugs. In Southern
California the Becton-Dickinson or Wells chemical test is what are used. The
Becton-Dickinson chemical test has a small plastic container (approx.
2" x 2") which you can place a small amount of substance in
question. Once inside there is a chemical inside, which will cause the added
substance to react by changing colors. These colors are indicators of what
the substance is. Cocaine usually will show a blue color. The Wells test is
similar, however, instead using a plastic container, you do all the mixing
of the chemicals on a small glass tray. The results are similar. Both of
these tests are easy to use and understand.
"Imagination" is the common denominator that assists the drug
dealers and users in marketing their illicit products for sale. They think
of ways to make their products look more appealing, prevent product
destruction, and avoid detection from the police. Adding color pictures or
markings on the product can enhance appearance, which make it look more
enticing or "cool." An example of this would be when LSD (Lysergic
Acid Diathylamide ) tabs were confiscated from a dealer having Mickey
Mouse's picture on them. The dealer is not going to package his product in a
package which when wet dissolves the contents. This is why kilos (2.2 lbs.)
of cocaine (powder form, which dissolves in water) are packaged in plastic,
then wrapped water tight in plastic tape. Detection of these drugs from the
police is always a concern of the dealer. It is unlimited the ways in which
they do this. I have seen the drugs hidden in soda cans and inside vehicle
tires.
I have had officers tell me, "Oh, that is what that looks like. I have
seen that several times in vehicles and did not know what it was." This
is reference to drugs and the different packages I have shown them. There
are trends, which you must stay abreast with. The most common way to learn
is to ask the dealers and users. During this lesson I will try to update you
with current packaging trends. You should already know the appearance of the
drugs from the prior lesson.
The following information is an explanation of what to look for in each drug
category along with added insight as to why they use these methods:
Marijuana: Rolling papers, smoking pipes, dried leaves, seeds,
plant materials, roach clips, electrical clips, and has the odor of burnt
rope. The rolling papers can be purchased at any market. They come in all
colors and design. The basic one is white. These are legal in the stores
because they are supposed to be used for hand rolled cigarettes. When have
you last seen anyone smoke or roll a hand rolled cigarette? Smoking pipes
come in all shapes and sizes. The only way to tell if it has been used for
tobacco or marijuana is by the smell in the bowl. Burnt marijuana has a
very distinct smell, similar to burnt rope. The marijuana leave has a very
jagged edge and is very easy to spot. Once dried and crushed up it looks
similar to oregano or parsley flakes, which you can find in your spice
rack. The smell however is different. The marijuana seeds are not smoked,
since they pop when lit. The seed is small and oval in shape. You will
find these lying around the ash try or area where the "joint"
(hand rolled MJ cigarette) is made. They use the clips to hold the joint,
to allow them to smoke it all the way to the end without burning their
fingers.
Hallucinogens: (LSD, acid, MDMA, Ecstasy, psilocybin mushrooms, and
peyote). Capsules (any color), tablets (any color and size), blotter
squares (approx. ¼" x ¼" squares of paper), small transparent
colored pieces of substance resembling plastic or hard candy, dried
mushrooms, or cactus buttons. Note the illicit drug labs, which make MDNA
and ecstasy can put them in any type of capsule or pill form they desire.
The same is true for most of all illegal drugs made. LDS is usually sold
in sheets of 100 small square (a.k.a. tabs). The tabs are then torn off
and usually one or a portion of one, is used for personal consumption. The
dealer will often personalize his own LSD by placing a star, moon, happy
face, or other logos on the tabs. LSD is actually colorless, odorless, and
tasteless. It can be placed on anything, then absorbed by placing it in
your mouth to obtain a high. These tabs described above are just paper
saturated with the LSD liquid, allowed to dry then placed in mouth when
needed. There is another type of LSD called "window pain." This
is the transparent type described above. This is allowed to dry on a
cookie sheet, approx. 1/8" in height, then broken or cut into little
pieces approx. 1/8" square. This is then taken orally. Peyote buttons
average one to two inches in diameter, brown in color, and resembles the
underside of a fried mushroom. They have a bitter taste and are usually
ground up into a dark brown powder and placed in a gelatin capsules.
Cocaine: (Cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride). Glass vials,
foil, toy balloons, glass or metal pipes, copper metal cleaning pads,
razor blades, small straws, small spoons, smooth glass or mirror plate,
non-porous paper folded bindles, plastic packaging tape, small zip-lock
style bags, tray with water and syringes. Note: "Cocaine Base"
is oil based and does not dissolve in water and "Cocaine
Hydrochloride" does dissolve in water. "Cocaine Base" is
known as "rock or crack cocaine." Rock and crack cocaine is
smoked. "Cocaine Hydrochloride", which is in a powder form is
usually ingested through a straw up the nose, or dissolved in water then
injected into the body with the use of a hypodermic needle and syringe.
Rock cocaine is hard like a bar of soap and is often sold without
wrapping. Often, if sold in smaller sizes it will be wrapped in foil,
plastic baggies, and or inside balloons. Cocaine powder will usually be
packaged in a paper bindle, plastic baggies, foil, small glass vials, or
toy balloons. The toy balloon is used to package other drugs also, since
you can tie the top in a knot and have a watertight seal. The users
swallow the balloon and contents when contacted by the police, then obtain
it by throwing up or allowing the digestive system to return it by going
to the bathroom. The rock cocaine is smoked in a pipe. Often the pipe is a
straight one. To keep the rock from falling through the pipe you must
place a piece of copper cleaning material inside the tube of the pipe,
then place the rock on the substance, and light it with a heat source
(lighter, match, etc.). Inhaling on the other end of the pipe will cause
you to obtain the narcotic affect. The cocaine powder is often placed on a
glass plate, chopped up and formed in a line position with a razor blade,
ingested up with a short straw (approx. 2-3" in length) through the
nose. If a straw were not used, a small spoon probably would be used to
place the powder to the nose for ingestion.
Heroin: (Mexican brown, black tar, and china white). Foil,
balloons, plastic and paper bindles/bags, syringes, metal spoons, matches,
glass or metal pipes, razor blade or knife, lactose, blender and plastic
type tape. Black tar heroin is the most common form in the California
area. It is obtained from Mexico. The "Mexican Brown" is just
tar heroin processed one step further. The "Tar Heroin" is
processed with a cutting agent. The agents usually are white, thus when
mixed together, often in a blender, it gives you a light brown appearance
similar to powdered chocolate milk. The most common cutting agent is
lactose. Lactose is like a powdered milk product often fed to babies. The
most common street package of heroin, is when the Tar Heroin is placed on
a small piece of plastic (often from a grocery bag), then twisted on top
or sometimes heat sealed at the top. Ten years ago we did not see a lot of
Tar Heroin but only Mexican Brown mostly packaged in balloons or condoms.
Today in California, we do not see much China White. That is found most
often on the East Coast. The most common way to use heroin is by mixing it
with water, heating it so it will dissolve into a liquid form, then
injecting it into a vein(s). During the last couple years, there has been
a trend to smoke or inhale it. This is done by placing it on a piece of
foil, heating the bottom until it turns to a vapor/smoke form, then
inhaling it through your nose or throat. This way the user is not left
with unwanted needle marks.
Amphetamine: (Methamphetamine, crank, speed, and ice). This
stimulant group has the same packaging and use characteristics as that of
cocaine. Note: crank and speed are street names for amphetamine and
methamphetamine in powder form. Ice is the rock form of amphetamine. It is
smoked in a similar manner to rock cocaine. The majority of the
clandestine labs produce a powder methamphetamine and/or amphetamine,
which has a very distinct smell. It has been compared to the smell of a
wet baby diaper, urine or acidic odor. Amphetamine comes in all types of
tablets, pills and capsules. The most common tablet is referred to as the
"mini-bennie", which is a small (approx.1/4" in diameter)
white double scored (two lines on the tablet face forming a cross or
"X" on it) and approximately 1/8" or less thick. Sellers of
caffeine tablets also use this design. Amphetamine users are often ripped
off by dealers selling them these "look a like" drugs.
11364.7 Health and Safety Code: Makes it a misdemeanor to possess or
manufacture any drug paraphernalia with the intent to deliver, furnish, or
transfer it under circumstances where the perpetuator should reasonably know
that the paraphernalia will be used in connection with a controlled
substance. The purpose of this section is to allow for control of so-called
"head shops."
11014.5 Health and Safety Code: Defines drug paraphernalia as the following:
all equipment, products and materials of any kind which are designed for use
or marketed for use, in planting, propagating, cultivating, growing,
harvesting, manufacturing, compounding,...injecting, ingesting, inhaling or
otherwise introducing a controlled substance into the human body in
violation of this division. It includes, but is not limited to: (a)
hypodermic syringes and needles, (b) cocaine spoons, (c) "roach"
clips, (d) controlled substance testing equipment, (e) objects designed for
use in ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing marijuana, cocaine, or
hashish into the human body, and (f) container designed for the use in
storing or concealing controlled substances.
Note: Most cities also have their own city ordinances, which also prohibit
the sale of the above item in their cities. These ordinances are in place to
prevent, prohibit, and discourage drug use in their communities.
This is an area, which often confuses people in the field of law
enforcement. There are hundreds of laws in the books pertaining to narcotic
laws. Which one do you use? It was for this reason, I chose the use of our
class text "California Criminal Law Concepts" for this class. I
found this book to be a very good resource in understanding the law in a
clear concise manner. There is, what I call, a "cheat sheet" on
page # 218 in the text that makes it simple to identify the correct
violation for the offense. It has the drugs listed with their brand names
adjacent to the appropriate violation. Unless you have a great memory or
work with the violations on a daily basis, it will be hard to recall the
right section violated. This "cheat sheet" will assist you in this
area.
The question often asked is what is possession, possession for sales, and
sales of drugs? The elements of possession are spelled out in your text on
page #215. The one thing that must be shown by the officer or investigator
is this: Is there enough substance to produce a "narcotic effect"?
Example: You could not arrest a person for possession of cocaine (11350
H&S) if it was only residue. This would be called a "diminous"
(meaning too small or not enough) amount. However, if there were enough, in
a small pile, to snort up into their nose with a straw to make them
"high" or produce a "narcotic effect" then there would
be an 11350 H&S violation. Possession for sales cases are typically
cases where the person is in possession of a large amount of illegal drugs
and they possess them with the intent to sell them. We show this violation
in several ways.
(1) There is an admission from the suspect.
The main difference between the charges of possession of cocaine and or
possession of cocaine for sales is the amount of jail time received by the
suspect. On a possession for sales charge, with any type of illegal drugs,
you will receive more jail time.
(2) The quantity (weight) of the illegal drugs is so large it is more than
the average user would normally possess for personal use. An example of
this is a kilo (short term for kilogram) of cocaine, is a total of 1000
grams. Most users will not use more than a gram or two of cocaine a day.
This person would have enough to make them "high" for a year and
a half or two years. This is not likely and it would be my opinion that it
would be possessed for sales. Each district attorney's office has his or
her own policy as to how much of each drug, by shear weights, it will take
to file a possession or possession for sales case. These differ slightly
from area to area. An example of this is in Northern California where
marijuana is grown and it is plentiful, a person stopped with a kilo of
marijuana might just be charged with possession of marijuana. A person in
Southern California probably would be charged with possession for sales.
(3) The other method to obtain a possession for sales filing (criminal
complaint filed against a suspect) is to obtain other evidence that would
be indicative of a possession for sales case. Example: You have your drugs
and no admission from the suspect that he or she was involved in drug
sales. You would look for other indicators, which might show his or her
involvement in sales of drugs. This might be the "pay-owe"
sheet. This is a list of persons they sell to along with either cash or
weight amounts listed on them. Similar to a bookkeeping or property
control list. Dealers often use scales, packaging materials, pagers, and
cell phones to assist them in distributing their products. These evidence
items will assist you in obtaining a possession for sales charge.
Looking in the California Criminal Law Concepts text you will see on the
cheat sheet on page #218 a box, which has "sales" in it. These
"sales" cases are self-explanatory. These are where the suspect is
seen selling to other suspects, or actually sells to an undercover police
officer.
Note: While reviewing page #218 of the text you will see that these are
the most common sections violated. These sections are the ones most often
used by law enforcement officials, except for the "use of minor"
sections. It is very rare to ever use those sections, since the dealers
and users do not want to use minors in any of their activities because of
their immaturity they are easily detected by the authorities. This is not
to say that it will never happen.
The reason for the necessity of knowing the section 11550(a) H&S is
because it is the section mainly used by officers, arresting a person for
under the influence of a controlled substance. You will review this section
in the listed below web site. You will notice that this section is very
confusing. It makes you refer to numerous different other sections and
specific paragraphs. Refer to your course text (Calif. Criminal Law
Concepts) to page 215 and 216 for a simplified easy to understand version.
Each drug has its own unique set of symptoms. Some are similar to other
drugs, however still have slight differences. Don't be confused. It will be
easy to understand after reviewing this lesson. First, go to the below
listed web site for the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug
Information. Review the listed drugs of abuse symptoms, effects, and
profiles. This will give you a good overview of each drug. Ninety-nine point
nine percent of all the 11550 H&S violations occur with the use of the
following drugs: heroin, cocaine, amphetamine/methamphetamine, and
phencyclidine (PCP). It is for this reason I will focus in detail on these
specific drugs.
To better understand symptoms of drug influence, it is necessary to
understand the normal ranges in the following areas of the human body:
Blood pressure:
Heroin users will often have the following symptoms: Constricted
pupils (recent use--- the pupils will be under 3.0 m.m. in size), pupils
demonstrate little or no reaction to light, pulse and blood pressure below
normal, droopy eyelids (ptosis), poor motor coordination, and puncture marks
often visible if subject injects it. I say they appear intoxicated, similar
to alcohol but have no odor of alcohol on their breath. This is also
providing they have not also been drinking. They will then say, "I was
just drunk." My response is alcohol use does not cause the pupils to be
constricted, the needle marks on the body, or shows the presence of heroin
in the urine test of the user.
Systolic: 120-140
Diastolic: 70-90
Pulse: 60-90 B.P.M. (Beats Per Minute)
Respiration: 12-20 Per Minute
Pupil Diameters: 3.0-6.5 m.m. (Millimeters)
Cocaine, amphetamine and methamphetamine users will often have the
following symptoms (each drug is very similar to each other since they are
all stimulants): Dilated pupils (immediately after use, usually larger than
6.5 m.m.), increased blood pressure and pulse, talkativeness, hyperactivity,
anxiety, paranoia, elevated respiratory rate, long periods without sleeping
or eating, nasal redness (caused from ingestion or snorting the substance),
needle marks on the body, and euphoria.
Phencyclidine (PCP) users will often have the following symptoms:
Horizontal and vertical nystagmus (pupils bounce when looking right or left
and up or down; involuntary eye movement), pulse usually elevated, body
temperature elevated, blood pressure elevated, muscle rigidity, blank stare,
sometimes increased physical strength, memory and speech difficulties,
occasional visual and auditory hallucinations, and a chemical odor on
breath.
It has been said that, "your eyes are the window to your soul."
The reason I feel this statement was made is because you can tell a lot
about a person looking into his eyes. Often you can tell if they are lying,
sincere, sad, etc. You can also detect the presence of possible drug
influence. This is one of the first areas you want to check, if possible.
The use of a pupilometer is a great tool to measure the size of the pupil.
This is a small card with numerous dots on the side. You just have to hold
the card next to the subject's eye and match the dot on the card to the
opening of the pupil. The size is determined in millimeters. Remember the
normal ranges listed above and if the person has an abnormal reading then
there is a good chance they are under the influence of a drug.
Pupilometers can be ordered for very little cost at any medical
supply company. I order them from Veract Inc. 800-821-0775.
Checking the pupils in a darkened room is also a good thing to do.
Since when you are in a dark room, after a couple minutes, your eyes will
adjust to the darkness, causing your pupils to dilate naturally. After this
has happened, use a small pin light or dim flashlight along with your
pupilometer to check the pupil size again. This is done by again placing the
pupilometer in the same position and allowing a little light to illuminate
the eye area. Check both eyes. Then check your partner's eyes for a
comparison test. If the person is under the influence of heroin their eyes
will be constricted and show little reaction to the presence of light being
shined on their eyes.
Nystagmus eye tests are a good way to check for the presence of PCP
(Phencyclidine) in a person. This test is also given to check for persons
under the influence of alcohol. This test if given horizontally and
vertically. First, telling the person tested to follow the tip of your pen
or finger with his or her eyes. You need to hold it about 12-18 inches away
from their face and move it slowly right to left, then up and down. Stopping
periodically in the middle of your motions. You will see the pupil track the
moving object, however if under the influence of phencyclidine you will see
an inability to track the moving object smoothly. You will see a distinct
bouncing of the pupil both horizontally and vertically. When a person is on
alcohol you will only notice a slight horizontal bouncing. But to rule out
the alcohol defense it is best to note the persons breath, if it has alcohol
on it, you need to give them a breath or blood test to determine the exact
type impairment (drugs or alcohol?).
Chemical testing.
The easiest method to determine if a person is on drugs is to have them give
you a blood or urine test. However, you need to look for the obvious. They
will often appear to be intoxicated, ill or injured. This is noted by their
walk, and over all appearance. Look closely at their eyes for the above
reasons. Then ask the person the list of questions: Are you ill or injured?
Have you been drinking? Do you have any eye or medical problems? There are
some medical reasons why a person might appear to be on drugs. I will
explain in more detail in the next paragraph. If the person states
"no" to all the above, and the eyes look abnormal, check them with
your pupilometer and pupil reaction to light. Then you should ask to see
their arms for needle marks. You should then check their pulse. Again
compare this to the normal range listed above.
There are several things that will cause pupil constriction other than
heroin use:
1. A child or elderly person will often have constricted pupils.
2. Eye problems: either glaucoma or an eye injury. An eye injury occurs in
majority of cases to only one eye. Glaucoma patients usually will have
medication or a doctor treating such case.
3. A blow to the head: This again occurs only to one eye or the other,
usually opposite to the side of the head hit.
4. Syphilis: usually only effects one eye. Most people are in the hospital
when it gets to this stage.
5. An overdose of Darvon N and/or Codeine, usually 10 times more than the
doctor prescribes.
6. Methadone: sometimes, but note it is taken orally. Check for needle
makes and ask who his/her doctor is.
Packaging
This area was partially discussed in unit #4 (narcotic identification and
packaging section). "Imagination" is what the drug dealers use to
assist them in smuggling their illicit products to their destination without
detection by law enforcement. Law enforcement is constantly changing their
techniques to keep up with the criminals. It is like a cat and mouse game.
Drugs have been smuggled into the U.S. in about every way imaginable from
inside hidden containers in vehicles/vessels to packages placed inside the
human body.
Due to the Presidents War on Drugs policy there has been a concerted effort
by state, local and federal agencies to obtain the goal of a drug free
society. They have been working together more now then they ever have been
in the past, creating multi-jurisdictional task forces. These task forces
generally consist of a member from each different agency, all working
together for a common goal, strict drug enforcement, and suppression
/apprehension efforts. Many of these teams have assistance from the
military, which allows them to use the radar, ships and air support to track
the smugglers.
It is no secret where the drugs are grown and come from. An example: cocaine
is grown in Columbia and in countries in that part of the world. It was told
to me, our government told Columbia to stop producing illegal cocaine and to
place more controls on it in their country. This was so the U.S. would not
have the epidemic cocaine addiction problem we have today. The government of
Columbia told us that if we would stop using it they would stop producing
it. This is a supply and demand concept. If we did not need it they would
not make it. So, now it is the responsibility of our government to educate
our people as to the harmful affects from the use of drugs and to try to
decrease and/or stop the flow of drugs into our country.
It is my opinion we are winning the war on drugs through both of these
efforts. The drug education programs like DARE, and many others, have been
successful in our schools teaching young people to say "no" to
drugs. The increased enforcement efforts have sent a message to the
smugglers that they will be caught however, due to the large amount of
profits being made they continue to take the risk at a slightly slower pace.
It is my opinion our real noticeable area of success has been our drug use
prevention education programs.
The use of K-9, narcotic detection dogs, has been a valuable tool to law
enforcement in the narcotics interdiction programs. It has been reported
that their ability to smell scents is 1,000 to 100,000 times better then
ours. Properly trained, the detection dogs work like magic. Their ability to
assist law enforcement has been overwhelming. These dogs are at all of our
ports of entry, major airports, bus depots, and train stations. Law
enforcement groups assist them in the ratification process of drugs and
heavily rely upon their support. Most police agencies have one or more dogs
at their stations. They are easy to maintain and a valuable tool.
Where an officer, deputy, or agent can legally walk, a K-9 dog can also go.
The real benefit is that a K-9 "sniff", is not ruled by the courts
as a "search." This is because a sniff does not expose
non-contraband items that otherwise would remain hidden from public view. It
is much less intrusive than a typical search and discloses only the presence
or absence of narcotics, a contraband item. This also insures that the owner
of the property is not subject to the embarrassment and inconvenience
entailed in less discriminate and more intrusive investigative methods. Case
law: United States v. Place, 462 U.S. 696, 707 (1983).
The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable government intrusions
into their legitimate expectations of privacy. This amendment protects
people and not places. This is why the use of dogs to sniff people is
generally not allowed unless a warrant is obtained first. Some people are
fearful of dogs and because of it, it is considered an unreasonable search.
Once a K-9 detects the odor of narcotics you can get a search warrant or
consent to search from the owner of the property. If the alert is on a
vehicle a warrant and consent is not needed to conduct a search. This will
be discussed in more detail in the upcoming unit #9 (search and seizure
section).
Special training is given to investigators who work in narcotic interdiction
teams. These officers have to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a
week. This is because they will never know when they will get that call
stating drugs are coming in or there is suspicious activity at a certain
location, which looks like possible narcotic trafficking. These teams often
use what is referred to as a "consensual encounter." This is when
a person contacted by you, is totally free to leave or not cooperate with
you. You must not restrain the person. Conversely, you do not need any
objective reason or justification for initiating this type of contact. You
start talking to the subject in a low-key manner. Identify your self and
explain the nature of your business. Check for nervousness and evidence of
suspicious activity. Nine out of ten times you will be able to tell if the
person is doing something wrong just by his or her movements and actions.
When talking to them you can detect nervousness in their voice and they will
often lie to you if they are guilty. Ask for consent to search if the person
is acting suspicious. The use of a K-9 detection dog is also a good tool. If
the subject stopped does not give you consent to search and you have enough
articulate facts to obtain a warrant, then obtain one. If you have nothing
you have to let him or her go on their way.
330 P.C.: Gaming
330 b P.C.: Possession of a slot machine
330.7 P.C.: Antique slot machines
331 P.C.: Owner permitting gambling in house
332 P.C.: Obtaining money or property by fraudulent game or trick
334 P.C.: Fraudulent operation of concession
337 a P.C.: Bookmaking: Bets and wagers.
Notice: that most of the offenses are a misdemeanor, with the penalties of up to one year in county jail and/or up to a thousand-dollar fine. Most of the above sections are very interesting and self-explanatory.
330 P.C. and 337 a P.C. are the most common enforced laws
330 P.C. covers most types and forms of gambling
337 a P.C. is used for horse racing book making and football pool violations
334 P.C. is a section used on fraudulent carnival game you might see at a fair.
647(b) P.C.: Solicitation for Prostitution
266h P.C.: Pimping
266I P.C.: Pandering.
288 P.C.: Child Molesting (Under 14)
647.6 P.C.: Child Molesting (Under 18)
288a P.C.: Copulation
647(a) P.C.: Disorderly Conduct
647(d) P.C.: " " (In restroom)
314 P.C.: Indecent Exposure (Lewd conduct)
261(1) P.C.: Rape (Victim of unsound mind)
261(2) P.C.: Rape (By force)
261(3) P.C.: Rape (By drugs)
261(4) P.C.: Rape (Victim unconscious of nature of act)
261(5) P.C.: Rape (Victim believes perpetrator to be spouse)
262 P.C.: Rape of Spouse
286 P.C.: Sodomy
261.5 P.C.: Unlawful Sexual Intercourse.
Notice: the majority of these sex crime violations are of a more serious
nature and are classified as felonies.
288 P.C., 288(a) P.C., 647(a) P.C., 314 P.C., 261 (2) P.C., and 261.5 P.C.
are the most common sections violated.
Unit 9 - Search and Seizure & Courtroom Procedures and Testimony. Discuss search and seizure and the 4th Amendment issues and warrant and non-warrant requirements.
1. Waiver - involves a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary giving up of a constitutional right. (People v. James (1977) 19 Cal.3rd 99,106.) This is when the person in control gives you consent to search for the items requested by you.
2. Exigent Circumstances - means an emergency situation requiring swift action to prevent imminent danger to life or serious damage to property, or to forestall the imminent escape of a suspect or destruction of evidence. (People v. Ramey (1976) 16 Cal. 3d 263, 276.)
Absent the above reasons, a warrant will be needed according to the 4th
Amendment statute on all other circumstances. The warrant must have
"probable cause" to be valid. This is the state of facts or
circumstances, and when appropriate, the veracity and basis of knowledge of
an informant, which would cause the officer to believe that there is a fair
probability that contraband or evidence of a crime will be found in a
particular place. (Illinois v. Gates (1983) 462 U.S. 213, 238.)
Final Examination: Your grade for the course will be weighted as follows: Written Assignments = 50%, Final Exam = 50%. In order to successfully complete the course you MUST complete the written assignments and, take the final examination. If you live within 50 miles of the campus, you MUST take the final examination on campus. You may contact the Learning Assistance Center at (562) 692-0921 x 4016 or 3169 to schedule taking the final exam. The Learning Assistance Center is located at the Police Academy which is on the main campus on Canyon Drive. If you live over 50 miles from the college the exam may be proctored at your location. Contact your instructor for details.
If you experience any difficulty or need any further clarification, contact the Online Coordinator, Carley Mitchell at mitchellcarley@hotmail.com or in an emergency call him at (801) 953-6173.