MERIT first went online in September of 2005 with a class of 37. The program
was sponsored by the Pennsylvania Narcotic Officers Association and it continues
to support and sponsor officers to attend the training. Since then MERIT has
certified more than 3500 individuals including Law Enforcement Officers, Child
Welfare Advocates, Probation and Parole Officers, and Emergency Response
Personnel. MERIT was created to provide these individuals with the information
needed to survive a Methamphetamine Lab encounter.
| MERIT HISTORY |
Why was MERIT Training Developed?
The designer of MERIT was a member of a methamphetamine lab response team.
At that time the response team was new and had just begun responding to and
investigating meth labs. During the "Learning Phase" the response team made
numerous mistakes while traveling the learning curve. Through those mistakes a
training program was designed to help law enforcement officers be aware of the
same mistakes.
Routinely the response team would respond to a lab after it was discovered by a
local police department or emergency response service. The personnel who
discovered the lab would complain of burning eyes, skin irritations and painful
breathing and swallowing. These personnel were exposed to harmful and or deadly
chemicals. With the proper training the exposure could have been lessened or
prevented completely. A search of the Internet for training specifically designed
for law enforcement officers to safely respond to methamphetamine labs resulted
in programs that were designed more specific to hazmat responses and general
meth awareness. The answer was the development of MERIT, Methamphetamine
Recognition and Investigation Training!
MERIT is not a sleeper! The training is fast paced and does not stray from the topic
matter. It is specifically designed to train in a practical manner. When you have
completed the training you will know how meth is made. You will know what
hazards are present. You will know the right decisions to make. If you investigate
meth labs you will know how to build a strong case. Once you have finished the
course, you will be one of the best trained officers in the country regarding
methamphetamine labs.
Today
Originally known as MEthamphetamine Recognition and Investigation Training
(MERIT), our organization has grown to offer more that just training, but an
opportunity to change the way our nation thinks. In March 2009, MERIT became
THE MERIT GROUP. Our expanded Training Division now includes classes for
Realtors and Meth Lab Entry Teams. We will continue to expand adding an Expo
Division and Consulting Division in the very near future. This Consulting Division
will assist local and state law enforcement in creating programs of action to
combat all of the issues associated with methamphetamine. Finally, THE MERIT
GROUP has finished designing a 40 hour certification program for law
enforcement officers and a three day program to certify Site Safety Officers.
Originally known as MEthamphetamine Recognition and Investigation Training
(MERIT), our organization has grown to offer more that just training, but an
opportunity to change the way our nation thinks. In March 2009, MERIT became
THE MERIT GROUP. Our expanded Training Division now includes classes for
Realtors and Meth Lab Entry Teams. We will continue to expand adding an Expo
Division and Consulting Division in the very near future. This Consulting Division
will assist local and state law enforcement in creating programs of action to
combat all of the issues associated with methamphetamine. Finally, THE MERIT
GROUP has finished designing a 40 hour certification program for law
enforcement officers and a three day program to certify Site Safety Officers.
The Bottom Line
We have seen officers after they have been heavily exposed to meth lab
chemicals: Blood shot eyes, difficulty breathing and terrible headaches just to
mention a few. There are officers dying from the exposure they received while
on duty. MERIT believes that with excellent training there is a better chance for
those who risk it all, to be able to go home to their families when the day is
done. We offer that training.
We have seen officers after they have been heavily exposed to meth lab
chemicals: Blood shot eyes, difficulty breathing and terrible headaches just to
mention a few. There are officers dying from the exposure they received while
on duty. MERIT believes that with excellent training there is a better chance for
those who risk it all, to be able to go home to their families when the day is
done. We offer that training.
Evolution of MERIT
MERIT was originally designed solely for police officers, but since its
development other agencies including EMS, Fire, Probation, Prosecutors,
Forensic Scientists and various law enforcement authorities have contacted
MERIT to request specialized training for their individual needs. MERIT evolved
into a methamphetamine lab training program capable of training various types
of organizations to recognize, investigate, analyze, prosecute and respond to
methamphetamine labs across the nation! MERIT now offers training at the
location of the service agency requesting the training. MERIT has lent opinions
that aided in the drafting of legislation focused on combating the manufacturing
of methamphetamine. MERIT offers e-mail "question and answers" for law
enforcement personnel regarding meth labs.
MERIT was originally designed solely for police officers, but since its
development other agencies including EMS, Fire, Probation, Prosecutors,
Forensic Scientists and various law enforcement authorities have contacted
MERIT to request specialized training for their individual needs. MERIT evolved
into a methamphetamine lab training program capable of training various types
of organizations to recognize, investigate, analyze, prosecute and respond to
methamphetamine labs across the nation! MERIT now offers training at the
location of the service agency requesting the training. MERIT has lent opinions
that aided in the drafting of legislation focused on combating the manufacturing
of methamphetamine. MERIT offers e-mail "question and answers" for law
enforcement personnel regarding meth labs.
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| THE MERIT GROUP / 12525 Kerr Road North East Pa 16428 / 1-888-61-DRUGS(37847) |
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