For Bigako: Module 5

Interview Questions

• What is your role in investigating drug offenses? What do you actually do?

My primary role in drug offense investigation was to maintain the security and chain of custody of the evidence that was obtained during the investigations. When an undercover officer submitted any evidence to be secured, I would verify that the evidence was properly documented, labeled and sealed. At the scenes of search warrants it was my responsibility to record a digital video of the scene after the scene was secured but before the actual search for evidence was started. I also took digital photographs of the scene and all persons present as well as photographs of each item of evidence that was discovered and subsequently seized as evidence. After the search warrant scene was cleared, I was responsible for labeling, documenting and securing the evidence in the evidence room. I then made sure that all drug or other evidence was sent to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for official testing.

Other roles I had during drug investigations was to perform surveillance, both moving and stationary, translation for Spanish speaking suspects and/or informants. I was also called upon countless times to testify in court in reference to my roles and involvement in these investigations.

• Can you explain who would be a good candidate for undercover work?

Any officer could be a good candidate for undercover work, as long as they are willing to work odd hours of the day or night and be willing to work long hours, sometimes being on duty for 24 or more hours at a time. They must be trustworthy and able to perform at a high state of alertness at all times. Sometimes an undercover officer will be in a situation without direct supervision and they must be able to maintain their cover and still act in accordance with Federal, State and local laws.

• How do you handle the request or demand to “do” drugs prior to a drug transaction? Does your department allow simulation?

See last sentence of answer above.

• How do you choose your investigative targets?

Most targets are brought to the attention of law enforcement through anonymous tips or through information provided by confidential sources, who have proven their reliability and have firsthand knowledge of a suspect’s activities.

• How do you deal with informants?

• Where do they come from? – Informants could come from any walk of life. Some could have been caught in the act of using or dealing narcotics and then provide information on their sources in hopes of consideration on their charges. Some informants make themselves known to law enforcement and provide information simply as a way of making money.

Who are they (not names)? – Sometimes informants are narcotics users, dealers, friends, relatives, enemies, competitors and even jilted lovers.

How are they controlled? – Of course they cannot be controlled 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but when they provide information to law enforcement or go with an officer on a “buy” they are assessed for obvious signs of intoxication, searched for contraband on their person and are under constant observation by the controlling officer in the field.

What motivates them? Some of the motivations could be love, hate, money, jealousy, anger and sometimes a guilty conscience of their own and a wish to “make it right”.

Can you do your job without them? – Yes, but they streamline the process by making introductions into the various circles.

• How much paperwork is there in the job?

Some cases could be summed up in a one or two page report. Others may take months or even years to complete and the paperwork fills boxes.

• Do you testify?

Yes, see answer to question #1.

• Can you give examples of several cases (or types of cases) that you have worked on?

I have worked on simple, low level deals of $20.00 worth of “crack” cocaine and I have worked on cases dealing with multiple kilos of cocaine, methamphetamine and/or hundreds of pounds of marijuana which have resulted in the seizure and eventual forfeiture of hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash as well as vehicles and real estate.

• What are the goals of your investigation? How long is the typical investigation?

The goal of any investigation is to be able to successfully prosecute an offender and get them off the street and into prison in the hope that it will serve as a deterrent to others who may wish to become involved. There is no typical investigation. Any one of them could last as long as more information continues to come in.

• How many buys do you consummate with an individual prior to arrest?

Only one is needed.

• What (if any) issues with entrapment do you see as a challenge to your activities?

Steady surveillance and the processing of current and accurately corroborated information will show that the target of the investigation is already predisposed to the illegal activity they are alleged to be involved in.

• Are you armed when you are working undercover? Why or why not?

As a police officer, I am always armed.

• Can you explain the following as they relate to your role as an undercover?

• Buy – A buy is when an undercover officer or a controlled informant makes a purchase of or trade for or transfer of illegal narcotics or other contraband.

Buy-bust – When the suspect is taken into custody immediately after a “buy”.

Reverse – When an officer sells a very controlled amount of an illegal narcotic or contraband to a suspect for cash or trade. Typically, the suspect is immediately taken into custody and the narcotic or contraband seized as evidence in an effort to keep the substance off the street.

Controlled buy – When an informant makes a purchase of an illegal narcotic or contraband under the direct control/supervision/observation of an officer in the field.

Raid – Usually the serving of a search warrant at a business or residence. It can be conducted by simply serving the suspect with a copy of the search warrant after knocking on the door or using SWAT techniques to gain entry by force.

Surveillance – Visual or electronic observation of a suspect or known associates.

• What resources are available to help you protect your undercover identity?

The resources available to an officer are limited according to their own imagination.

• Has there ever been a time when you had to leave an investigation because you felt your cover was going to be blown or you were not safe? Explain.

Yes.

16. To what level are you as an undercover officer allowed to participate in crime to maintain your cover? What are you not allowed to do to keep your cover?

An undercover officer is still subject to Federal, State and local laws and ordinances.

17. Do you talk about your undercover cases with your family after the cases are over? If so how much do you let them about the case?

I would let my wife know general details about my whereabouts and sometimes would discuss more specific details as a case progressed or after it was over.

18. Has there been a time when you were undercover working one case, and that case lead to another case?

Nearly every investigation leads to another.