NCJ Number
84193
Date Published
1982
Length
76 pages
Annotation
Videotapes made during 'sting' operations proved to have limited application in research on interpersonal behavior during the criminal transactions, but the effects of time and space on transaction behavior could be analyzed.
Abstract
Videotapes of 78 transactions or 'buys' from four different 'sting' operations were obtained from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The quality of each subject's behavior was recorded at 10-second intervals for each of seven behavioral categories: (1) activities associated with the transaction itself, (2) subject on or off camera, (3) voice volume, (4) body position, (5) body movement, and (6) smoking or other stereotypic behavior. The location of each subject was also plotted on a floor plan of the operation. The quality of the types was often too poor to permit analysis of facial and gestural details of the subjects, and individual subjects were often off camera as much as 50 percent of the transaction time. In the area of spatial considerations, the average total duration and the average amount of time spent after the sale was concluded were both noticeably different for the warehouse and storefront operations than for the residential and record store operations. This suggests that areas permitting more movement and visibility give subjects a greater sense of security and control. Such findings can aid in determining the kinds of spatial arrangements that can facilitate or inhibit criminal activity. Recommendations are offered for improving the videotaping of criminal activity so as to facilitate behavioral research. Appended are the floor plans of three 'sting' operations, narrative descriptions of the subjects, and time-series records for the subjects. A total of 17 references are listed.