By Keith Graves
After seeing more than one officer succumb to drug abuse during his 29-year law enforcement career, this student decided to research drug use by police for his graduate thesis. Here’s what he learned about officer drug use before joining the force and the prevalence of abuse during a career.
Keith Graves has been a police officer for more than 28 years. “It’s imperative that every officer be the best he or she can be, so that citizens walk away with confidence in their government and their police departments,” he says. Learn about Keith’s career and why he thinks education is so important.
By Keith Graves
Drug use has changed dramatically over the last 30 years. When I first started in law enforcement 26 years ago, people were mostly using meth, cocaine, heroin, marijuana, or PCP. With the growth of the Internet, people are now able to learn about more unusual and strange drugs.
By Keith Graves, Criminal Justice
At some point in your law enforcement career, you choose a path to follow. This path leads you to a type of policing that you enjoy and can hopefully get a special assignment in, so you can pursue this interest. For me, I chose narcotics investigations. Here are five steps to become the best dope cop in your department.
The majority of individuals in the nation’s criminal justice system have substance abuse issues. Suffice it to say, knowledge of drugs and their effects is very important to anyone working in the criminal justice system, especially those working in probation or parole.
To help officers determine if someone is under the influence of drugs, a group of officers in California developed a program called the drug abuse recognition (DAR) course. The DAR program was developed to help identify individuals currently under the influence of drugs, which makes it ideal for use by probation and parole officers, correctional officers, private industry, and school officials. AMU criminal justice student Keith Graves writes about the benefits of this unique program.
Police throughout the country, particularly in Florida, have been noticing a spike in the use of a new drug that users are calling “flakka.” Use of the drug is a concern as well as are the crimes that people under the influence are committing. AMU criminal justice student, Keith Graves, who has taught thousands of officers and businesses about drug investigation, shares information about the signs of intoxication and how police should pursue investigations.
By David E. Hubler
Synthetic drugs are often incredibly potent and difficult to regulate because manufacturers are able to modify their molecular structures to sidestep the Controlled Substance Act. Learn more about the issue and potential sentencing amendments.
By Leischen Stelter
With an increasing number of states moving to legalize marijuana, how must law enforcement officers adapt to the change? Find out about the different drug training programs available to officers.
By Leischen Stelter
All officers know the date they will retire, even rookies. Yet, not enough prepare for retirement. Here’s how one officer developed a game plan, which included going back to school and starting a business. But the best thing he did? It’s something he thinks ALL officers should do before they leave the force.