Courtroom Presentations in Asset Forfeiture Investigations

3-hour to one day class designed to prepare officers for rigors of cross examination by defense attorneys.  Officers are taught the importance of detailed report writing, note taking, and appropriate preparation for various court hearings relative to asset seizures.  Emphasis is placed on avoiding defense “traps”, and jury appeal.

Informant Management for Maximum Seizures

3-hour to one day class designed to assist officers in managing confidential informants used to identify and assist in asset forfeiture investigations.  Officers will be prepared to identify informant motives, and deal appropriately with each one.  Proper informant contact and supervisor are emphasized, along with the liabilities of informant use.  Debriefing and interview techniques, as well as documentation will be emphasized. 

Conspiracy Investigations in Asset Forfeiture Cases

2-3 hour class will explain the elements necessary to charge suspects with violations of Federal Conspiracy laws, while maximizing asset seizures.  Students will distinguish between on-going and historical conspiracies, and be prepared to investigate either type.  Investigations will be exploited to see if conspiracies would be appropriate, and case studies will be discussed.

Raid & Operational Planning for Asset Seizures

2-3 hour class will explore the proper way to prepare Operational Plans for asset seizure warrants, as well as safe Raid Plans.  Components of each will be demonstrated and contingency plans will be discussed.    Necessary equipment for various raids will be explored and officer & informant rescue techniques will be reviewed.

Identification of Assets

3-4 hour class will explore the common methods of surveillance to locate and identify seizable assets.  Common mistakes and “tricks of the trade” will be discussed, as well as methods of documentation.  In class simulated practical exercise will be demonstrated, with class participation.

Maximizing Seizures through Undercover Operations

3-4 hour class will explain the safe techniques utilized for proper undercover operations resulting in asset seizures, ranging from operational plans, to contingency plans, to officer rescue techniques.  Cover stories, identification, and warning signs will be discussed.  Case studies will demonstrate proper and improper methods of undercover work, as well as common mistakes made by undercover officers.

Indoor Cannabis Cultivations and Seizures

2-hour class will demonstrate the current methods utilized to produce the most potent cannabis on the streets today.  Today’s cannabis is not the pot of yesterday, and is selling in some areas for over $8,000 per pound.  That kind of money produces many seizable assets!  Indoor grows also produce specific problems when determining which assets should be seized.  Today’s seized asset can be tomorrow’s liability.

Asset Forfeiture Report & Affidavit Writing

2-8 hour class will demonstrate the greatest pitfall of police work, poorly written reports.  Making a million dollar seizure can enhance your career.  Losing it because of poorly written reports can end your career.  The components of proper report and affidavit writing will be discussed and demonstrated, in conjunction with techniques that display professionalism and confidence.  Longer classes may include writing exercises.

Ethical Leadership in Asset Forfeiture

3-4 hour class will explore the differences between management and leadership of a financial investigative group.  The proper use of handling and utilizing seized assets will be examined.  Various leadership models will be discusses, as will the differences between formal and informal leadership.  People skills and ethical behavior, with a self assessment to determine where the student would place in the management arena will also be emphasized.