NCJ Number
115556
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 16 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1989) Pages: 38,40-43
Date Published
1989
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article instructs officers entering undercover work in narcotics and vice on how to prepare for an undercover identity and what tools to use.
Abstract
Undercover work is typically divided into narcotics and vice (gambling, liquor, and prostitution). Within a unit, officers will usually have specialties. Undercover work relies heavily on informants, but officers must use the informers rather than letting informers use them. Undercover officers should prepare themselves for their work by acquiring as much knowledge as possible about their particular law enforcement functions, including the laws to be enforced and court decisions bearing on those laws. When assuming an undercover position, the officer must ensure that all items relating to the police personage are removed from his person, such as departmental belt buckles and key kubotans. The undercover identity must be thoroughly researched and supported with various identification documents. Given the stress associated with undercover work and the assaults upon an officer's personal identity, departments must ensure that counseling and other support resources are available to the undercover officer. Some tools of the undercover trade are a small pistol, knives, and a car kit bag containing handcuffs and a portable radio. Undercover officers must keep an accurate accounting of all expenses incurred and used from the department. This includes money used in narcotics buys and vice operations such as gambling. Other useful tools are a 35mm camera, night vision equipment, and a personal computer to facilitate the management of paperwork.