Careers: Police/Some Questions

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Expert: - 6/2/2009


Question
I am attending Ashford University and I want to do a report on undercover cops and the risks that are taken. This matter is close to my heart because of some personal recent activities ive experienced.

I was wondering how often an undercover agent goes out to make a narcotic sale without any backup, any surveillance or recording equipment of any kind?

Are there any rules or regulations for an undercover officer? Is there anyway to find them?

I live in a little town, is it average that an officer that is known throughout the town he is serving be used in an undercover buy?

Thanks for your assistance

Kelly Johnson

Answer
Kelly;

 I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help to you for operational reasons.  Although I've never worked undercover, the sources and methods that are used that I'm aware of, I'm not willing to share with the public, as it may endanger officers lives in doing so.  

 Each agency sets its own rules in Standard Operating procedures for the department.  Contained in them are the Undercover/plain clothes rules.  

 I'd go to the University police department, or your town's police department, explain what you are doing and why, and ask for their help.  However, there is a high chance they won't give you much since this type of thing is, like I said, one of the more dangerous operations departments undertake, and they are very reluctant to give out information on sources and methods.

 There are numerous books out there about all sorts of officers who've went undercover and written about it, including the mafia, motorcycle gangs, etc.  I'd suggest you look to some of those for information.

Jason

Careers: Police

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Jason Grabill

Expertise

General Maryland Law Enforcement, Maryland Law & Traffic Law, the Court System. How to start the process to become a Police Officer, different Police careers, the Interview process, General Police career questions

Experience

18 Years experience as a local and Federal Police officer. In addition to working "the road", I've worked as an Academy Instructor, Law Digest Compiler for Police Department, Community Policing coordinator, Department Gang officer, Bike Patrol Officer, and Advanced Accident Investigator. I've also served on the SWAT/SRT team, and currently work for the Department of Army Police (Federal Civilian) at Fort Detrick, Frederick Md, as a Sergeant. I'm Certified as a Police and Emergency Medical dispatcher through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

Organizations
Police Marksman Association Fraternal Order of Police

Education/Credentials
South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy
Prince Georges County Maryland Municipal Police Academy, Western Maryland Police Academy
Radar, Portable Breath Test, PR-24 Police Baton, ASP, Police Mountain Bike Certified. Maryland Police Training Commission Basic Instructor Certified. CALEA Certified Field Training Officer (FTO), Advanced Criminal Investigator School, Advanced Crash Investigator School, National Academies of Emergency Dispatch Certified Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Emergency Telecommunications Operator.

Awards and Honors
Police Officer of the Year, Prince Georges County Municipal Police Chiefs Association (1995).
City of District Heights Police Officer of the Year, 1995.
Distinguished Service Cross for Valor, 1995 (National Association Chiefs of Police).

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