DEA Investigative Procedures Flashcards
6 cards from real DEA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 DEA Investigative Procedures flashcards as text
What is 'probable cause' as it applies to DEA arrest authority?
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.
In DEA investigations, what does 'buy-bust' refer to?
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.
What is a DEA-12 form used for?
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.
When conducting surveillance, what is a 'fixed post' in DEA terminology?
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.
What must DEA agents do before using a confidential source in an operation involving significant risk?
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.
What is the primary purpose of a 'grand jury subpoena' in a DEA drug case?
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.