NCJ Number
114342
Journal
Prosecutor Volume: 22 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 23-25
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Police should use several simple techniques to enhance the credibility of undercover officers and help secure convictions in drug cases.
Abstract
Police should property taping equipment that will provide clear and audible recordings of all telephone calls. The officer should not curse or talk as though they use drugs, but they should do whatever it takes to get the defendant's name, address, and other identifying information and to get the defendant to talk about the drug costs, quality, quantity, and past and future deals. The drug transactions should be photographed or videotaped by another police officer who should be located near the transaction to corroborate the date, the location, and the actions. Officers should also arrange for multiple transactions, package and identify the properly, arrest the offender immediately after the transaction, and interview the suspect on tape. Guidelines for the use of search warrants and 12 behaviors to avoid when testifying in court are included.