The Basics of Undercover Operation – mrtarheel (original) (raw)

The undercover technique is crucial to the FBI’s investigation of white collar crimes, public corruption, terrorism, offenses involving controlled substances and other priority areas. But critics argue that sting operations can go too far and cross ethical lines. 심부름센터

To protect undercover agents, field offices must submit a written proposal to FBIHQ identifying all sensitive circumstances of an undercover operation.

What is an Undercover Agent?

An undercover agent is an officer who works undercover for police purposes. Police departments often contract with private companies to send undercover agents to do investigative work. For example, a department store may want to gather information about internal theft by employees and non-employees. They might hire a contract security service company to put an undercover agent in the warehouse to gather this type of intelligence.

The key to undercover success is preparation and planning. Undercover officers are thoroughly vetted and psychologically assessed before they are given an undercover assignment. They must have strong investigative skills as well as solid law enforcement skills.

Every undercover operation must have a street supervisor, someone who is responsible for ongoing decisions about the case and who can see the bigger picture. This person can also authorize changes to the plan. Without a supervisor an undercover operation can quickly go awry. This can put the undercover officer at risk of exposure and even death.

Undercover Agents are Special Agents

Regardless of the type of undercover investigation, all undercover agents must work with a chain of command and regularly report to their supervisors. In addition, they must be able to communicate with the outside world using beepers, cellular phones or discreet transmitters, so that they can get word to their supervisor if danger develops.

Undercover operations are often employed to gather intelligence on specific crimes or criminal patterns in order to thwart them before they can occur, or for other investigative purposes such as gathering evidence to support the filing of charges and arresting suspects. They may also be used to conduct investigations into white-collar crime, public corruption, terrorism and other priority areas of investigation.

As a result, undercover investigators must have highly developed manipulative and negotiating skills in order to successfully conduct their assignments. In addition, they must be personally mature and possess a stable family life. Finally, the undercover investigator must be willing to put his or her own safety in jeopardy to pursue an investigative objective.

Undercover Agents are Recruits

Unlike a normal police officer, an undercover operative is required to work under their cover for longer periods of time. A good undercover officer can get a lot of intelligence from their target, such as wire recordings and eyewitness testimony that lead to arrests.

Undercover operatives must be thoroughly vetted to ensure that they have the emotional resilience and investigative skills needed to cope with an undercover role. They must also be trained in the use of clandestine ruses to gain the confidence of their targets and lie as needed to accomplish their mission.

Undercover officers should be able to follow their supervisors’ orders, even when they may conflict with the undercover officer’s own instincts. Radio discipline is critical, with the principle radio user being the street supervisor who must communicate with the undercover officer only when necessary and monitor discreet transmitting devices. A lack of radio discipline can lead to dangerous situations for the undercover officer and others on the operation.

Undercover Agents are Supervisors

A well-written operational plan is a must for every undercover operation. It keeps everyone focused on what they are supposed to be doing and can help reduce dangerous unplanned changes during the operation. It also helps crooks know that the undercover officer is in control and will not change plans or tactics on them. Management should insist that all undercover officers use a written operational plan for every undercover assignment and require a complete summary of the objectives.

The undercover operational plan should be prepared at the field office level and may include a list of specific activities to be performed by the undercover agent or cooperating individual. It should clearly state the objectives and describe how they will be achieved. If a specialized need exists for a particular type of undercover agent or cover, this should be noted.

Operations involving sensitive or fiscal circumstances must be approved by the Director or a designated Assistant Director. Upon initiating and throughout the course of any undercover operation, an SAC should consult on a continuing basis with the appropriate Federal prosecutor, particularly with respect to the legal sufficiency and quality of evidence that is obtained during the operation.