Fighting Fake Goods: How Police Are Getting Smarter

In the U. S. , fake stuff is everywhere. From fake medicine to unsafe electronics, these items are not just a problem for shoppers but also a big danger to public safety. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) is stepping up to tackle this issue. They have given their stamp of approval to a special training program called CTIPS. This program teaches police officers how to spot and stop the sale of fake goods. Most police training programs don't cover how to deal with counterfeit items. This is a big problem because fake goods are often linked to organized crime. CTIPS aims to fill this gap by offering specialized training. Officers learn how to identify fake products, understand how these items move through supply chains, and build strong cases against criminals. The training also covers how fake goods affect people's health and safety. For example, fake medicine can be dangerous, and unsafe electronics can cause fires. By understanding these risks, officers can better protect the public. CTIPS also teaches officers about global best practices and how to work with international partners to stop the spread of counterfeit goods. The NCPC believes that CTIPS is a crucial tool in the fight against illicit trade. They are urging all law enforcement agencies to adopt this certification as part of their standard training. With the support of the NCPC, CTIPS is set to become a key resource for officers looking to combat the growing problem of counterfeit goods. The CTIPS certification is based on research conducted by Michigan State University’s Anti-Counterfeiting and Product Protection Center. It is the first nationwide certification that validates law enforcement expertise in intellectual property enforcement and public-private collaboration. This means that officers who complete the training will have the skills and knowledge they need to recognize and dismantle criminal networks involved in illicit trade.