Transcript 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
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Preparation for undersover work should be
sufficiently thorough:
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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:
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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
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It is the act of following a person
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Objectives:
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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
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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
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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