Clandestine
Laboratory Training

Circle Solutions, Inc.

PLEASE NOTE: Funding is no longer available to support this training at no cost.

Circle Solutions, Inc. (Circle) announces the availability of competitively priced training for law enforcement agencies seeking to address problems related to clandestine laboratories. This highly effective and interactive training is designed to provide agencies with the latest information on clandestine laboratory enforcement, safety, investigation, and program management.

Courses are usually held regionally with coordination through a co-host law enforcement agency. Expert instructors from law enforcement agencies with extensive backgrounds in clandestine laboratory enforcement, fire response, and HAZMAT operations provide the training.

Course Descriptions

Four courses are offered on an ongoing, as-requested basis: Clandestine Laboratory Awareness for First Responders, Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement, Supervising Clandestine Laboratory Investigations, and Conducting Effective Clandestine Laboratory Investigations. These courses can be customized to meet specific agency or community needs.

Clandestine Laboratory Awareness for First Responders

This 8-hour course is suitable for law enforcement line personnel, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders who may inadvertently come in contact with a clandestine laboratory. Course attendees are provided with timely and critical information on chemicals and equipment commonly found at clandestine drug laboratories. More importantly, they are made aware of the hazards associated with clandestine laboratories and actions that should be taken (or not taken) at a suspected lab site. Topics include:

  • History of methamphetamine
  • Characteristics of methamphetamine abusers
  • Chemicals and equipment commonly found at clandestine laboratories
  • Methamphetamine production methods
  • Hazards to first responder personnel and the community
  • Interagency Cooperation

Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement

This 8-hour course prepares State and local law enforcement agencies to address the special problems they may encounter in dealing with clandestine laboratories. Through a series of lectures and case studies, participants learn about the dangers of clandestine laboratories and associated risks to personnel and the community. From an understanding of these issues, students become aware of the importance of involving the community and other agencies to implement a comprehensive enforcement and prevention program. Topics include:

  • Background of the clandestine laboratory problem
  • Identifying clandestine laboratories
  • Methamphetamine synthesis and production
  • Hazards to personnel and the community
  • Suspect and user characteristics
  • Investigating clandestine laboratories
  • Community awareness and involvement

Supervising Clandestine Laboratory Investigations

This 16-hour course prepares supervisors and managers in State and local law enforcement agencies to address the specialized problems and risks associated with supervising clandestine laboratory investigations. Lectures and case studies are used to introduce students to the specific roles, responsibilities of supervisors who manage clandestine laboratory operations. Students will also become aware of the principles of emergency management as they relate to the safety of enforcement personnel. The training includes information on ways to involve the community in identifying suspected clandestine laboratory operators and sites. Topics include:

  • Current issues in clandestine laboratory enforcement
  • Hazards to personnel and the community
  • Compliance with Federal safety rules and regulations
  • Role of the supervisor in clandestine laboratory investigations
  • Investigating clandestine laboratories
  • Raid planning and execution
  • Hazard assessment, site control, and decontamination
  • Analyzing the local meth market
  • Building and improving community response programs
  • Coordinating with outside agencies

Conducting Effective Clandestine Laboratory Investigations

This 16-hour course is designed to for personnel who are or will be conducting clandestine laboratory investigations. The course includes in-depth information on effective investigative techniques, legal issues, safety considerations, and compliance with Federal and state laws and regulations.

Topics include:

  • Current trends in methamphetamine production methods
  • History and effects of methamphetamine
  • Chemicals and equipment used to manufacture methamphetamine
  • Raid planning and execution
  • State statutes and recent court decisions pertaining to clandestine laboratories
  • Evidence collection and storage
  • Developing search warrants
  • Role of the undercover officer
  • Gathering intelligence
  • Recognizing booby traps
  • Conducting surveillance
  • Using storefront operations
  • Developing and using confidential informants

Additional Articles

For further information about these training programs including costs contact:
Michael McCampbell, Project Director
Circle Solutions, Inc.
Suite 300
8280 Greensboro Drive
McLean, VA 22102
703-902-1225
E-mail: mmccampbell@circlesolutions.com
www.circlesolutions.com