NCJ Number
192741
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2001 Pages: 26-32
Date Published
November 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of the ruse as an important investigative strategy and tactic in law enforcement and its' potential legal and ethical ramifications as weighed against its practicality.
Abstract
A ruse is a strategically planned deception by law enforcement concealing the officer's identity or their intent and has been seen as effective and potentially saving significant months of investigative work. A ruse, also know as undercover work or "stings," is intended to obtain fugitives from justice, establish probable cause for arrest or search, access a person or property without use of force, and interview an uncooperative individual. Even though ruses are viewed as effective and useful in law enforcement investigations, they have also been recognized as violating both Fourth and Fifth Amendment rights and creating ethical concerns. It is important that officers are aware of this controversy and knowledgeable in the legal and ethical ramifications of ruses. In doing so, they can avoid unnecessary controversy. When planning a ruse, several issues should be considered: the department or officers' level of expertise with ruses, the access to potential alternatives, the relationship between the agency or department and others, and the consultation with line staff, as well as management.