‘Technology in Today’s Investigations’ course educates detectives in latest crime trends and emerging methods of investigation

NATCHITOCHES – Law enforcement personnel from Sabine, Claiborne, Red River, Beauregard, Webster and Acadia parishes participated in a workshop to learn the latest practices in integrating technology into criminal investigations. The two-day event covered the Dark Web, Bitcoin, payment apps and investigations, credit card skimming and cloning, GPS trackers, phone pings, cell phone content warrants, search warrant data portals and Artificial Intelligence.

The course took place at Northwestern State University with support from NSU’s Office of Economic Development and University Advancement.

Led by Austin Porter, an agent with the Montana Department of Justice, through Yellowstone Narcotics, LLC, detectives learned about crime trends and how a new generation of criminals is using increasingly sophisticated technology. Porter took the class three years ago from Yellowstone Narcotics founder Cameron Pavlicek, a current Montana narcotics officer, former Eastern Montana Drug Task Force Commander and former president of the Montana Narcotics Officers Association.

“This class is not intended for entry level officers,” Porter said. “This is advanced narcotics investigations or how to move-along narcotics investigations.” He provided insights and tips for detectives and discussed how laws and protocols vary from state to state.

Dr. Daniel Gordy, assistant professor of criminal justice and English, was event facilitator and said the workshop was a valuable networking opportunity for investigators. He also recruited two prospective students interested in NSU’s criminal justice program and NSU’s biology concentration in forensic investigations.

“We’ve got a nice representation from across the state participating, most doing drug interdiction work,” he said. “Officers don’t necessarily need a degree for entry level jobs, but some realize the value of a degree as they advance in their careers.”

At Northwestern, law enforcement personnel are eligible for the Law Enforcement Exemption, covering $250 per class up to 9 hours. Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and have completed requirements set by the Louisiana Police Officer Standards and Training (POST) Council are given credit for up to five courses.

Last year, NSU and the Many Police Department formalized a partnership in which the university supports law enforcement training and professional development by providing specialized courses.

NSU’s Department of Physical Sciences and Department of Biology and Microbiology also has an agreement with the North Louisiana Crime Lab in Shreveport to advance opportunities for students interested in forensic lab science or forensic investigation degree programs.

Information on Yellowstone Narcotics is available at https://yellowstonenarcotics.com/

Information on NSU’s Criminal Justice program is available at

https://www.nsula.edu/program/bachelor-of-arts-in-criminal-justice/.