Outline some of the suggestions discussed in the text for officers who are preparing to go undercover

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Recommendations and precautions for undercover agents include:

• Adopt credible aliases. Keep your real first name and date of birth.
• Whether you're going to "carry" or not may be a matter of personal preference or an
issue your agency addresses.
• Choose your "garb" based on your assignment. The primary objective is to fit in with
your target group.
• Avoid the draw of the street, which can be overwhelming and even addicting.
• Although many undercover operations require you to appear alone, always have
backup within eye or earshot, either via wire or through direct visual contact.
• Remember who you are. Nothing is worth compromising your integrity as a police
officer (Grossi, 2009).

Additional precautions include:
• Write no notes the subject can read. It is vital that undercover investigators keep accurate notes during their investigation, yet they must not allow the subject to be aware of such documentation.
• Carry no identification other than the cover ID.
• Ensure that any communication with headquarters is covert.
• Do not suggest, plan, initiate, or participate in criminal activity.