Expert: Loren Stevens - 1/7/2010

Question
A couple of questions. Do any police departments have covert operations devisions? and if so what do they do and how do you get in to them?

Answer
Hello Nick,
I suspect, that most agencies deal with covert ops as sub-divisions, of a Division, or Bureau.
Covert ops is little more than a technique...an approach. And, it tends to be employed when conventional methods have either been exhausted, or not likely to be successful.
Conducting discrete moving and stationary surveillance are a form of covert ops.
Generally, most people view covert ops, as undercover work, which is ok, if the parameters are wide enough, to take in the attendant duties too.
If an agency has a Vice, or Narcotic unit, they will likely have undercover officers, and covert ops.
Other areas of a typical agency may also use undercover techniques on a limited basis, or "shallow" UC ops. The use of DIRECTED informants, usually requires an agency to pony up undercover operations in support of these initiatives.
Usually, UC ops is the last consideration, as it tends to be very expensive, in resources.

And, you learn how to craft reports, and testimony...while in a UC assignment, the officer does NOT "lie" or be "untruthful"....s/he is assigned to assume a ROLE.

There is a difference, with some distinction, as perceived by a jury.
Anyhow, the back 1/2 of your question...with few exceptions, an officer needs to be off probation, at his/her entry level position, usually uniform patrol, prior to a specialized assignment.
Then, that officer will need to learn an abundance of investigative skills, prior to doing undercover work. And, there needs to be specific training to be experienced by the officer. ATF used to have an excellent undercover officer school.
KSA's (knowledge-skills-abilities) needs to include issues of entrapment, outrageous government conduct, 4th Amendment issues, safety, and parameters of expected action, when other crimes occur in the presence of the UC officer, when to take action, and when to disregard etc.
Bottom line, learn the fundamentals first, and learn them well.
There are several books in print that are helpful, even the ones who essentially challenge the point of police working covert ops, like books by Marx.
Learn the opposing views, and you'll learn how the challenges will come at you.
Hope this is helpful.
Regards,
loren