Psychological Aspects of Undercover Policing

This book will look at the basic nature of the undercover operation in Law Enforcement from starting a program, to the administration of a program, to the operations of the undercover officer. It takes care to look at how a program can be set up to have the least psychological impact and the warning signs that an officer is starting to have psychological issues that could affect their work. It looks at the psychology behind the alter-identity and the "flashroll" that make the real life of the officer, seem unreal. It looks at psychological needs for safety and how support personnel can make sure the undercover operative feels as safe as possible. This is a manual for the best psychological situation for the undercover officer so that a program can be set up in a department that works for the officer and the department. It is a manual for the officer to learn how to control their life when they are asked or volunteer for the job in a police department or government agency of being someone else. It is a book that takes a common sense approach to an uncommon situation in policing. It is a research-supported compendium on how to live as an undercover officer, and more importantly, how to stay alive. TOC:Foreword. 1: The Rules of the Game.- 2: Research in the Psychology of Undercover Policing.- 3: Setting-up an Undercover Operation. 1. Cost-Benefit Analysis. 2. Connection with Tactical and Support. 3. Recruitment. 4. Selection Criteria and Testing. 5. Training.- 4 Special Stressors in Undercover Policing. 1. Alter Identity. 2. On-going Deceptions. 3. Over Identity. 4. Flashroll Mentality. 5. Information Sharing with Spouse.- 5: Protective Factor for the Officers. 1. Psychologist Involvement in Team Decisions. 2. Principles and Morals. 3. When to Withdraw. 4. Family First Attitude. 5. Spirituality and Balance.- 6: Administrative Issues. a. Decisions Team. b. Supervision. c. Drug use Policy. d. Support of Officers Family.- 7: Special Papers of the Congress. Fr. Joseph D'Angelo - "Creating Balance: Psychological and Spiritual Strategies for Undercover Officers". M. Sharps, Ph.D. - "Eyewitness Evidence" and "Stress, Cognition and the Undercover Operative". J. Price, Ph.D. - "Protective Factors in Undercover Policing". G. Pascale, P. Striano - "Intuitive Undercover Policing". Epilogue: Final Advice and Recommendations. Appendix: List of Attendees. The Society for Police and Criminal Psychology. The Guardia Di Finanza Academy in Orvieto.