Expert: Loren Stevens - 12/16/2008

Question
Hey there!
 I'm not a citizen of America, so I'm not sure how your law system works! Nevertheless, I'm sketching out some ideas for a novel and was wondering how easily a cop would be able to go undercover voluntarily if he passed the correct criteria and what that criteria would be. I was also wondering if it is easy for such police officers to return to their home town after the case is settled in court, or if the case were messy and dangerous if this would happen. or whether he would go into the witness protection programme or some such thing.
 Thanks so much for your time.

Answer
Hello Jordan,
I'm not real sure I have a grasp on what all you are asking, but I'll try to muddle through in hopes that I can hit on something you seek.
ALL covert assignments are "voluntary" to my understanding. Most special assignments on a police agency are in fact voluntary.
The usual criteria, includes passing a police academy, then field training, then independent enforcement and initiatives, and being off probation.
It is not uncommon, for a uniform officer to go 4-6 years, prior to getting a realistic shot at a specialized assignment. Often times, the competition for these spots are spirited.
There are also variables, that may factor into the mix. Example: if a specific quality like gender, race, or other attributes is necessary for a specific covert assignment, it tends to narrow the possibilities.
It's not about "fairness", as it is more oriented to that which is needed for optimal goal attainment on a given situation.
And, there are varying depths of covert operations, from shallow to deep cover, depending on what is necessary and prudent.

For an officer to return to their home town, as you suggest, is essentially a moot point.
In a small agency, or small town, there is little point in a undercover officer, as everybody knows everybody in that jurisdiction. They almost have to bring in an outside officer, from another jurisdiction to work undercover, if it's necessary to do so.
There is no "witness protection program" for police officers. That, is a program set up for "civilians" who testify at their peril. That program is administered by the U.S. Marshal's office.
Police officers are expected to take risks, and work dangerous cases. That, comes with the badge. They are also trained to protect themselves, and other safety measures, plus they are armed, if furtherance of this self protection.
And, if there is a special dangerous case, there would be intelligence on threat assessment, and corresponding checks to counter those threats, and other officer's assistance.
Hope this is helpful to you, and that I hit on some of what you inquired about.
Good Luck, and regards,
loren