by Mark Henry
The Illinois Drug Enforcement Officer’s Association (IDEOA) is predicated upon the belief that proficient narcotic enforcement involves professionalism within the field, along with inter-agency communication and coordination of efforts. The IDEOA strives to provide quality training for its members in an environment which is conducive to information sharing. The membership of IDEOA consists of federal, state, county and local officers located throughout Illinois and surrounding states.
The IDEOA was established in 1989 with the vision that professional narcotic enforcement includes quality training and inter-agency communication. In 1997, I became a member of IDEOA with more than a decade of narcotic enforcement experience. I already knew then the importance of quality training for narcotic enforcement officers. I had also seen the incredible accomplishments which could be reached when police agencies communicated and cooperated. I supported the mission of IDEOA and became involved. As the current President of IDEOA, I am honored to serve an organization with such a noble mission. I truly believe that over the years, the IDEOA has served as a catalyst among IDEOA members. Perhaps it was something learned in training or a contact made during information sharing which sparked a significant investigation or the arrest of a significant narcotic trafficker. Either way, the Illinois Drug Enforcement Officers Association continues to serve as a catalyst for professional narcotic enforcement which benefits our members and the many citizens of Illinois.
Please do not hesitate to e-mail the Association with any suggestions or training topics which you feel may benefit our members. Take care and I hope to see you at the annual training conference.