NCJ Number
94020
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (1984) Pages: 289-302
Date Published
1984
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The success of sting operations (fake-fences) has been reported widely with impressive aggregate statistics on arrests and convictions. In this paper, we present a more detailed view of a successful Detroit sting program.
Abstract
We follow a sting participant's involvement from the time he entered the storefront until final sentencing, the result of the sting. Previously unreported statistics that we present include prior convictions and sentences for those involved in the sting, the number of sales an individual made to the sting, and data on final sentences. More importantly, we explore relationships between the various statistics. Our most important finding is that a sting operation is an effective way of getting criminals off the streets for extended periods of time. Eighty percent of those convicted for receiving and concealing stolen property were incarcerated, and the average minimum sentence was 19 months. The data also suggest the importance of multiple sales by an individual to the sting. The number of sales was shown to affect both the likelihood of convictions and the type of sentence imposed. (Author abstract)