informants and undercover operations

Confidential Informant 

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An individual who supplies information on a confidential basis with the understanding that his identity will not be made known Should be used for the maximum benefit of the organization, not for just 1 officer At least 2 individuals from the law enforcement agency should know the identity of the informant No not steal another man's informant

Undercover Investigation 

Preparation for undersover work should be sufficiently thorough: 

To preclude compromise

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To minimize danger to the undercover operative

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To ensure the ultimate success of the investigation

General Qualifications  

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Well-trained and experienced A calm, collected and resourceful individual with good judgement and wit

Complete self-confidence to feel absolutely certain that he can successfully play the part of the character he will assume Will power to avoid drugs and excessive use of intoxicants Ability to avoid unwise entanglements with women involved int ha case ot associated with the subject

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Ability to act out an assumed role Good memory in the investigation in which no notes can be taken or reports submitted Physical appearance and capabilities consistent with his assumed qualifications

Well-grounded in the lingo and technique of the subject's criminal operations 

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In special situations, the undercover investigator should possess certain linguistic, abilities, hobbies, sports, musical talent and personal background for the particular undercover assignment

Authority for undercover operations The undercover operation must be known to the fewest number of persons

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The background or cover story regarding assumed identity must easily win the confidence of the suspect or organization infiltrated and should seldom be wholly ficititious Badge and credentials must never be carried Weapon should be carried only when consistent with the background story Provide safe communication systems between the undercover agent and headquarters relaying information or instruction Arrangement for drops and safehouses mus be made and, if necessary, the undercover operative himself may be placed under surveillance

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The undercover operative must never pose as a criminal unless no other approach appears adequate The role of the undercover operative is to gather information or evidence against the suspect(s) or organization, NEVER to instigate the commission of a crime Plans for operation must provide actions or alternative in case the undercover operative is arrested

Reminders to undercover operative: 

Act as natural as possible

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Do not overplay the part

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Do not indulge in any activity which is not in conformity with the assumed identity Do not make notes unless they are to mailed or passed immediately. (use codes and never place return address in letters and envelopes) Do not use intoxicants except to play the part Limit association with women unless necessary to play the part

Surveillance 

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The discreet observation of places, persons and vehicles for the purpose of obtaining information concerning the identities or activities of subject In investigation of certain case, a point is reached whne the investigator sometimes finds it difficult to secure leads through questioning of the complainant and witnesses. In such a situation, the investigator has to go to the field to locate the criminal or, if he is known, to study his habits, movements and possible accomplices in the commission of the crime

Objectives of Surveillance  

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To detect criminal activities To discover the identity of persons who frequent the establishement and determine their relationship To discern the habits of a person who lives in or frequent the place

To obtain evidence of a crime or to prevent the commission of a crime

Shadowing or Tailing 

It is the act of following a person

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Objectives: 

To detect evidence of criminal activities

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To establish the associations of a suspect

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To find a wanted person

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To protect a witness

3 Types of Shadowing 

Loose Tail 

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Rough Shadowing 

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Employed when a general impression of subject's habits and associates is required Without special precautions; may be used when the criminal must be shadowed and he is aware of this fact, or where the subject is a material witness and must be protected from harm and other undesirable influences

Close Tail 

Extreme precautions are taken against losing the subject

Roping or Undercover Work 

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A form of investigation in which the investigator assumes a different and unofficial identity (cover story) in order to obtain information. General objective is to obtain information