NCJ Number
108691
Journal
Journal of Social Issues Volume: 43 Issue: 3 Dated: (1987) Pages: 95-100
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This commentary critically analyzes arguments put forth by Braithwaite et al (1987) in defense of the use of covert facilitation by police.
Abstract
In their article, they argue that conscious use of deception by police to encourage criminal acts is justified to detect low visibility white-collar crime, particularly by the power elite and by corporations. In contrast to their definition, many of the examples these authors cite involve observation and the creation of opportunity to commit crime rather than the actual encouragement of criminal activity -- an important distinction between undercover activity and entrapment. Their argument that temptation is an important factor in the training of children seems particularly inappropriate applied to adults, particularly white-collar offenders who rarely perceive themselves as criminal. Their arguments that covert facilitation provides a measure of dangerousness also lacks merit given the difficulties inherent in predicting accurately who may or may not be dangerous. While there may be cases where covert facilitation is justified, the standards and arguments for such strategies must be tightened. 2 references.