Chris Blackerby

October 16'2019

Columbia - CJAD

What is the most critical strategy used in undercover drug operations? What factors does this depend upon? Which is the most influential and why? Support your answer with direct evidence from the text and outside sources. 

The most critical strategy used in undercover drug operations is the arrest strategy to be used. This consideration examines the use of a particular type of drug buy (buy-bust or buy-walk[1]). This determination depends on whether or not the suspect is being considered for later use as an informant. Departmental factors also play a significant role in drug case planning. Obviously, some law enforcement agencies have more resources than others, but certain critical factors should be considered. 

Investigative resources to consider are; 

Personnel. 

Drug investigations require a sizable commitment of human resources, particularly sworn personnel. Multiple officers are required during undercover operations, raids, and surveillance operations. 

Money 

As with many police operations, money is always an issue. Drug investigations, however, require large amounts of cash for drug transactions between undercover agents and suspects, as well as for overtime, investigative expenses, and equipment. 

Equipment     

Drug investigations are becoming increasingly more technical with the introduction of high-technology equipment. Most equipment of this nature is typically used for surveillance operations, but investigators must be aware of what type of equipment is available and which is best suited for the agency’s mission. The resources cited earlier represent only a few of the most critical. Others include legal assistance, which should be a required ingredient in any drug investigation. 

Drug laws are ­becoming more complex in nature, thereby increasing the opportunities for investigators to make “technical” mistakes during their investigations. If there is any legal question in the mind of the investigator, he or she should always consult a knowledgeable prosecutor for advice before proceeding. The list of potential informational resources is limited only by the investigator’s imagination. The investigator should always keep in mind that information on just about everyone is available somewhere (Lyman, 2017).

Without criminal intelligence, many crimes would go unsolved. The methods used to gather criminal intelligence, including undercover operations and surveillance, provide law enforcement officers with critical information needed to prosecute suspected criminals. The critical role of criminal intelligence in investigations and the role of an intelligence analyst. You should also be able to discuss the various forms of surveillance, the patterns necessary to conduct an undercover investigation, and the components of a quality cover story (Quizlet, 2019).

Work Cited

Lyman, M. (2017). Criminal Investigation. Columbia College.

Quizlet. (2019). chapter-3-flash-cards. Retrieved from Quizlet: https://quizlet.com/118910340/chapter-3-flash-cards/