DEA DEA Investigative Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'probable cause' as it applies to DEA arrest authority?
- A reasonable belief based on articulable facts that a crime has been or is being committed (Correct answer)
- Absolute certainty that a violation occurred
- A supervisor's written authorization to make an arrest
- Evidence sufficient to guarantee a conviction
Correct answer: A reasonable belief based on articulable facts that a crime has been or is being committed
Probable cause is the constitutional standard requiring specific, articulable facts that would lead a reasonable person to believe a crime occurred.
Question 2: In DEA investigations, what does 'buy-bust' refer to?
- An undercover drug purchase immediately followed by the arrest of the seller (Correct answer)
- Purchasing drug evidence at auction from another agency
- A sting operation targeting pharmacy diversion
- Seizing assets before charging a suspect
Correct answer: An undercover drug purchase immediately followed by the arrest of the seller
A buy-bust operation involves an undercover agent purchasing illegal drugs and arresting the seller on the spot rather than building a longer-term case.
Question 3: What is a DEA-12 form used for?
- Documenting purchase of evidence (drug buys) and related expenditures (Correct answer)
- Requesting a wiretap authorization
- Reporting a firearms discharge
- Filing a complaint against a registrant
Correct answer: Documenting purchase of evidence (drug buys) and related expenditures
The DEA-12 is the official form used to document evidence purchases and account for funds expended during undercover drug buy operations.
Question 4: When conducting surveillance, what is a 'fixed post' in DEA terminology?
- A stationary observation point where an agent monitors a location without moving (Correct answer)
- A vehicle used for mobile surveillance
- A covert listening device installed in a building
- A checkpoint set up on a highway
Correct answer: A stationary observation point where an agent monitors a location without moving
A fixed post is a static surveillance position that provides continuous observation of a specific location or target.
Question 5: What must DEA agents do before using a confidential source in an operation involving significant risk?
- Obtain supervisory approval and ensure the CS is properly documented and debriefed (Correct answer)
- Submit the plan to the U.S. Attorney's office for pre-authorization
- Notify local law enforcement of the operation
- File a report with the DEA Office of Inspector General
Correct answer: Obtain supervisory approval and ensure the CS is properly documented and debriefed
DEA policy requires supervisory review and thorough documentation of CS reliability and risk assessment before high-risk operations.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of a 'grand jury subpoena' in a DEA drug case?
- To compel the production of records or testimony relevant to the investigation (Correct answer)
- To formally charge a defendant with a drug offense
- To authorize electronic surveillance
- To freeze a suspect's assets
Correct answer: To compel the production of records or testimony relevant to the investigation
A grand jury subpoena is a legally binding demand for documents or witness testimony as part of the grand jury's investigation into potential criminal charges.
DEA DEA Investigative Procedures 2
What is 'probable cause' as it applies to DEA arrest authority?