Story and Photos by Spc. Alysia Brewster, 65th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Massachusetts National Guard Counterdrug Program, Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts District Attorney’s Association hosted the second annual Top Gun – Massachusetts: Undercover Narcotics Investigator and Prosecutor Training Course Sept. 14-21, 2019 on Joint Base Cape Cod.

Ninety-three participants from across the state were given the opportunity to learn the most current information on investigative tactics and the law in regards to complex drug cases. Course participants were taught through a combination of classroom sessions and hands on exercises. The all-encompassing classes delved into all stages of aninvestigation and taught them how to work through the case from the time they receive initial information through the issuance of search warrants, collection of evidence and prosecution within the trial court.

“This is a one of a kind premier course that creates a unique training environment for those involved in public safety,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Peter Pouliot, Counterdrug Program Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC).

This weeklong course gives police officers and attorneys from each district and the attorney general’s office the opportunity to see the case from the other perspective and see just how much work has to be done on their respective sides to obtain a conviction.  It also provides invaluable opportunities for networking, which creates connections that are important to improving communication between different agencies and departments across the Commonwealth and the country.

This year Massachusetts welcomed back members of the Northeast Counterdrug Training Center from Maryland and Pennsylvania, who assisted with hosting the second Top Gun training here.  Also welcomed back were students from last year’s Top Gun class who returned as instructors for the course this year.  In addition, this year’s course entertained students and instructors from all of the New England states.

Sgt. Mark Courtois, Director of Training/ Massachusetts State Police Academy, stated that “overall it was a great success, everyone I have spoken to has said it is by far the best training they have ever been to.”