NW HIDTA Sponsored Training Courses

INTERVIEW & INTERROGATION TECHNIQUES (2-DAY)

APRIL 28-29, 2026

This 2-day training course will focus on cutting-edge, rapport based interview and interrogation techniques, with an emphasis on best practices for drug and violent crime investigations. It will provide investigators with a variety of strategies, tools and skills to obtain the truth from the most difficult, resistant suspects, and to do it in a manner consistent with ethical and legal standards. Live demonstration of the techniques will be offered with short practical exercises interspersed throughout the course. Participants will leave with hands-on, practical techniques they can immediately begin to use within their respective agencies. These proven methods will lead to better communication skills and to increased collection of information, evidence, arrests and successful prosecutions. This is a course you won’t want to miss!

ADVANCED VEHICLE CONTRABAND CONCEALMENT

APRIL 30 - MAY 1, 2026

This course trains personnel to quickly detect hidden compartments in vehicles used to smuggle drugs, weapons, money, and other illegal commodities through expert-led presentations, videos, and real-life case studies. Attendees will be equipped with the skills to systematically search vehicles to disrupt and hinder criminal organizations’ ability to transport contraband. Participants learn proven techniques and understand counter-measures that are being applied by smugglers to hinder governmental efforts by defeating X-ray equipment, density detection devices, fiber scopes, as well as K-9 units. Topics Include: • Drive-train components - Includes the running engine, transmission, axles and drive shafts • Floor and roof compartments • Wall compartments - Includes engine bay • Firewall • Rocker panels, Seats, Dashboards • Tires, Fuel tanks, containers • Doors • Bumpers • Other components – Battery, radiator, fluid

COUNTER-UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FUNDAMENTALS

MAY 19, 2026

Course Description: This course aims to equip narcotics officers with the crucial knowledge and abilities needed to effectively address the escalating threat posed by Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) in drug trafficking and associated criminal activities. Upon completion, participants will possess a thorough understanding of the various ways UAS are being utilized, including their specific capabilities and inherent limitations. They will develop the critical skill of recognizing indicators of UAS activity within their operational environment, comprehend the complex legal and regulatory framework governing UAS operation and the implementation of counter-UAS measures. The course will emphasize the importance of identifying and potentially exploiting vulnerabilities in UAS operations for interdiction purposes. Ultimately, officers will understand how to seamlessly integrate CUAS strategies into their existing narcotics enforcement efforts, enhancing their overall operational effectiveness.   Topics covered in the CUAS Fundamentals course will include:

• Fundamentals of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) technology
• UAS types and capabilities
• Laws and regulations for UAS
• UAS applications for law enforcement
• Fundamentals of CUAS technology and processing

PHOTO ANALYSIS & GEOLOCATION (BELLINGHAM, WA)

JUNE 11, 2026

Course will be presented in Bellingham, WA Course Description  This course teaches students basic techniques to identify the location where a picture or video was taken through a combination of reverse image searches and online searching. In today's investigations, a single photo or video can be the key to breaking a case, making geolocation an indispensable skill for law enforcement, criminal analysts, and their community partners. This hands-on course provides the fundamental techniques to pinpoint where an image or video was captured by effectively combining reverse image searches with strategic online searching. Through a mix of direct instruction and practical exercises, you will acquire a powerful new capability to analyze digital media, develop critical leads, and significantly enhance your counter-narcotics investigations. Course Length: 4 hours (8am to 12pm)    Course Cost: Free to Attendee and Their Agency

THE NEW MONEY TRAIL: DECODING & SEIZING CRYPTOCURRENCY (BELLINGHAM, WA)

JUNE 11, 2026

This class provides solid groundwork for law enforcement officers to understand how and why criminals use cryptocurrency to move and hide their proceeds from narcotics trafficking and sales. Students will learn about the history of criminal usage of virtual currencies, changes in government regulation, and how to follow the money using a blockchain explorer. By the end of class, officers will be able to identify users of cryptocurrency, establish an agency wallet, and properly seize suspect’s funds through proper procedures and exercise. Course Goals (1) Understand cryptocurrencies, how they are procured and used by criminal elements. (2) Understand how to trace cryptocurrencies from wallets to an exchange . (3) Practice the process of seizing cryptocurrencies from a suspect’s wallet.   Course Length: 4 hours (1pm to 5pm)    Course Cost: Free to Attendee and Their Agency

DARK CAPITAL: ANALYZING ILLICIT FINANCIAL FLOW 2-DAY COURSE

JUNE 16-17, 2026

This course will introduce students to how threat actors utilize and exploit financial system to generate, move, store and use their illicit proceeds Course Goals (1) Increase understanding of the fundamentals of money laundering, financial system vulnerabilities, and financial intelligence support (2) Understand resources available for financial crime investigations (3) Explore criminal use of cryptocurrencies and how to seize a suspect’s digital funds Day 1: Introduction to Threat Finance, Money Laundering Authorities Students will learn a variety of ways criminals conceal the origin of funds derived from specified unlawful activities. Students will also explore the history of cryptocurrency and how criminals procure and store these assets. Day 2: Crypto Seizure Methods, Net Worth Analysis, Information Collection Resources Students will have hands on experience of seizing Bitcoin through practical exercises. Students will learn methods to identify unexplained income and fraud detection. Students will explore a variety of databases and re-sources available for case support.

CASE DEVELOPMENT THROUGH PHYSICAL/MOBILE SURVEILLANCE AND CELL RECORD ANALYSIS (40-HOURS/RICHLAND, WA)

JUNE 22-25, 2026

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of technology, including cell phones, social media, and more, effective case development in criminal investigations requires a multifaceted approach. This training course offers a unique blend of physical surveillance techniques and historical cell record analysis, equipping participants with the skills to gather, analyze, and interpret data from both the physical environment and cell record footprints. Students will learn that when these two are combined, they become a powerful tool not only for apprehension but also for: 1. Case development and mission planning 2. Identifying and locating co-conspirators 3. Tracing the movement of physical evidence after the crime to help support the case for court (such as clothing, vehicles, firearms, etc.) 4. Guiding teams on where to canvass for video footage 5. Identifying and locating potential stash houses and hideouts for narcotics investigations 6. Keeping officers safe by minimizing unexpected risks. Modules: Interactive lectures, group discussions, and eight (8) real scenario-based simulations.  Course of Instruction will be four 10-hour days(0800-1800hours) Required Items:

• Unmarked Vehicle
• A cellphone that can run the Zello communications app (available on App Store of Google Play Store)
• Headphones or Earbuds
• Secondary GPS Device (Can be a second phone, or GPS Unit)
• Laptop
• Download CASTviz cell data plotting software (available for free at Castviz.com) ahead of time