NCJ Number
145650
Journal
Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: (1993) Pages: 383- 394
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined the consequences of working undercover for police officers, using information gathered in detailed personal interviews with 40 current and former undercover officers representing three Federal law enforcement agencies and eight municipal police departments in the Denver metropolitan area.
Abstract
Focusing on role dynamics and situated identity in undercover assignments, the study explored the impact of work experiences on police officers with respect to their interaction with informants and suspects, their interpersonal relations with family and friends, and their readjustment to routine police duties. Results revealed that the work orientations and habits developed by undercover officers often have spillover effects on their interpersonal relations with family and friends, disrupting or interfering with relationships and activities. Ending an undercover assignment and returning to patrol duty can be awkward for many police officers. To address the moral, ethical, legal, professional, and personal dilemmas involved in undercover work, police administrators must formulate and implement organizational guidelines and procedures to monitor the activities of undercover agents within the rules and regulations of the department and the laws governing the jurisdiction. This monitoring should focus on the ability of operatives to function within the undercover role and to return as normal, functional members of the department and the community. 22 references