Expert: Loren Stevens - 3/5/2011

Question
Hi Loren,
I am currently a student and in my policing class we were asked if a female police officer works undercover as a prostitute, what are some ethical and legal issues that may come into play during this type of undercover operation? I would greatly appreciate any help you have to offer. Thanks!
Lois

Answer
Hello Lois,
It would be difficult to justify using an officer, when cultivating prostitutes as informants is not very difficult..
However, there may be a unique situation, where there might be a need to take a proactive initiative...CLEARLY, ''turning tricks'' would NOT be in the officer's assignment description....period!
But there are always options to bend or manipulate the character role of a UC...In the past, I have used female officers in undercover duties, and had a friendly Druggist prescribe a variety of meds that address STD's...naturally, all of these were placebos, and written in the name used by the UC...That is one way to assume the role, yet not being pursued to 'perform'.
Another, is the role of a "show-bitch".. A Pimp, with a 'stable' of more than one prostitute, will often identify one of the women to be HIS, and only directed to engage in prostitution services per se, for "special" customers...This is the woman seen on the arm of the pimp, socially, and is in a higher pecking order among the stable of gals.
Perhaps it could be structured to use an older UC, where she is now "retired", and delving into other profitable enterprises in which to derive good fortune.
In many scenarios, a common neck-brace can get you out of many things, as it is just too awkward, or seemingly painful, to participate in commercial relationships of affection...
So, to answer your question, I can't see ever assigning an officer to such an assignment, of actually doing prostitute work, for huge liability reasons, and include credibility challenges in court during the case(s) in chief.
Legally, the law does allow UC officers in certain situations, and certain offences, to engage, in the furtherance of an ongoing investigation.
But know this, in about every case imaginable, there will always be more than one option, in which to proceed.
To put a female officer in this kind of peril, would not be viewed favorably up the command channels. And absolutely, she would not be expected to surrender her....dignity, for crown and country.
Not a good idea, on many levels..
Hope this is helpful to you. Good Luck,
Semper Fi,
loren