ABSTRACT
The use of undercover agents is a time-tested investigative technique where disguises and pretexts are used to gain the confidence of known or suspected criminals in order to undermine their illegal activities. Working undercover in a drug investigation does not mean that the drug agent will be living and working with drug dealers full-time. To the contrary, undercover drug agents should strive to minimize the amount of exposure they have with a drug dealer. Shortterm undercover operations are the norm in modern drug investigations. Longterm undercover operations do take place, but they require extensive planning and preparation and expose the agent to risks not encountered in short-term undercover roles. The longer the undercover agent is exposed to the suspect, the greater the odds he or she will be discovered to be a law enforcement official.
