Undercover investigations in Organized crime are a beneficial tool use to get access inside of an illegal operation. The use of undercover agents in covert operations is particularly beneficial because criminal organizations depend on concealing information or details that pertains to their illicit organization (Lyman, 2015), and this is a way to get said information. However, undercover investigation is considered one of the most dangerous components of any law enforcement operation (Lyman, 2015); it provides information that would otherwise be unobtainable.
However, just like any other components of law enforcement, there are challenges with undercover investigations. First off undercover work can be hazardous to an officer’s physical and psychological well-being (Bryjak, 2009). Unfortunately to fit in as a criminal, the undercover agent has to conform to his/her surroundings. This means he/she begins to think and act like a criminal. The officers are also subjected to several degrees of stress (Brvjak, 2009). Also, during undercover operations, undercover agents sometimes engage in illegal activities there self, therefore being fully exposed to the criminal activity. Not only could the agent be subjected to drugs (addiction, hazards), they also lose credibility when they are exposed. …show more content…
An informant is defined as anyone who provides information about a criminal case, but who is not a complainant, witness, or victim (Lyman, 2015). Informants can be concerned citizens doing the right thing, or ruthless criminals providing information for a personal gain. Some personal gains they may receive are a shorter sentence for their testimony, plea bargains or lighter sentences. Informants are also beneficial investigations because they have the ability to get closer to the operation, thus provide information not otherwise
However, just like any other components of law enforcement, there are challenges with undercover investigations. First off undercover work can be hazardous to an officer’s physical and psychological well-being (Bryjak, 2009). Unfortunately to fit in as a criminal, the undercover agent has to conform to his/her surroundings. This means he/she begins to think and act like a criminal. The officers are also subjected to several degrees of stress (Brvjak, 2009). Also, during undercover operations, undercover agents sometimes engage in illegal activities there self, therefore being fully exposed to the criminal activity. Not only could the agent be subjected to drugs (addiction, hazards), they also lose credibility when they are exposed. …show more content…
An informant is defined as anyone who provides information about a criminal case, but who is not a complainant, witness, or victim (Lyman, 2015). Informants can be concerned citizens doing the right thing, or ruthless criminals providing information for a personal gain. Some personal gains they may receive are a shorter sentence for their testimony, plea bargains or lighter sentences. Informants are also beneficial investigations because they have the ability to get closer to the operation, thus provide information not otherwise