Course Instructor
Sergeant Barry Ragsdale is a nineteen (19) year veteran of the Dallas Police Department who
has been assigned to the Narcotics Division for over thirteen (13) years. He began his law enforcement
career with the Dallas Police Department in February 1990. As a young patrol officer, Barry established
himself as an officer with a passion for arresting drug dealers operating in the Northwest Dallas area. In
the early 1990’s, he assisted in the establishment of the Northwest Patrol Drug Task Force whose mission was to investigate
street drug complaints.
In early 1995, Barry transferred to the Narcotics
Division “Street Squads” where he was assigned to work in an undercover capacity purchasing illegal narcotics
from street level dealers throughout the city of Dallas. The “Street Squads” purchase illegal
drugs, utilize confidential informants (CI’s), execute search and arrest warrants, and seize the proceeds, all in an
attempt to close down street level drug house operations. In September 1998, Barry was assigned to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration
as a Task Force Officer (TFO) to investigate large-scale drug trafficking organizations. He was the case
agent on numerous federal investigations over the next six years, investigating organizations ranging from the “Texas
Syndicate” prison gang to Iranian MDMA/Ecstasy traffickers to GHB manufacturers producing and distributing the drug
in mass quantities.
While assigned to the DEA Task
Force, Barry authored and presented OCDETF cases initiating complex conspiracy investigations where he worked as an undercover
officer, surveillance officer, cultivated and managed CI’s, prepared search warrants, and assisted on Title III wiretap
investigations. Barry has participated in numerous prosecutions of federal drug trafficking and money-laundering
conspiracies. In October 2004, Barry transferred back to the Dallas Police Narcotics Division “Street Squads” and
immediately began to train new detectives entering the division on undercover techniques and operations, visual and audio
surveillance, preparation of narcotics search and arrest warrants, preparation of case files, and asset forfeitures.
In October 2006, Barry transferred into a “Mid-Level Enforcement Squad” within the Narcotics
Division. His latest accomplishments involved investigating three of the largest GHB Manufacturing and
Trafficking Organizations responsible for producing and distributing more than 100 gallons of GHB per month in the Dallas,
Texas area. Although Barry was the primary case agent, he worked in conjunction with numerous agencies
throughout the investigation. While working in an undercover capacity, he and other undercover Detectives
purchased numerous gallons of GHB as well as MDMA/Ecstasy and Methamphetamine. Confidential Informants
(CI), historical data, moving surveillance, and video and audio surveillance were some of the methods of investigation utilized
to completely dismantle these illegal drug distribution networks.
To date, this investigation
has resulted in numerous state arrests and the indictment and arrest of the top 23 individuals on federal charges in the Eastern
District of Texas for Conspiracy to Distribute / Possess with Intent to Distribute GHB, Methamphetamine, and MDMA/Ecstasy.
Three of the primary targets were responsible for manufacturing and distributing more than 2000 gallons of GHB
throughout the conspiracy with an estimated street value of approximately $6,400,000. The investigation has resulted
in the seizure of clandestine GHB Labs, vehicles, firearms, U.S. currency, and a residence in Frisco, TX valued at more than
$300,000. Barry has distinguished himself as an expert in the field of narcotics participating in numerous investigations
resulting in hundreds of felony drug arrests.
He is recognized as an expert
in both state and federal courts having testified as an expert in hundreds of narcotics related cases. Barry has
been an instructor on numerous narcotics related subjects over the past eight years with an emphasis on Club Drugs, Undercover
Operations, the cultivation and management of confidential informants, and the preparation of search warrants.
He has previously provided instruction for the DEA, Texas Narcotic Officers Association (TNOA), Association of Oklahoma
Narcotic Enforcers (A-One), the U.S. Attorney’s Office (Eastern District of Texas), and the Dallas Police Department
to name a few.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
Sgt. Ragsdale has been recognized and received numerous
awards throughout his years of service. The following awards highlight some of his accomplishments:
·
Dallas Police Department - Officer of the Year
(2000)
·
Texas Narcotic Officers Association (TNOA) Officer
of the Year
·
National Association of Police Organizations
(NAPO) “Top Cop”
Honorable Mention
· (2) Meritorious Conduct Awards
·
Police Commendation Award
· (3) Life Saving Awards
·
Police Shield Award – (shot in the line of duty)
· Certificate of Merit (Unit Award)
· (6) Marksmanship Award
·
(5 year) Safe Driving Award
· (5 year) Perfect Attendance Award
·
U.S. Attorney’s Office Appreciation Plaque
(2003)
·
DEA - Certificate of Appreciation
· Internal & External Written Commendations (130+)
