While helping some allied officers on a drug investigation, we were trying to figure out how to generate enough information about a residence for an affidavit. One agent commented on how impossible it was to just walk by the residence because of the prevalence of lookouts and the savvy of the local residents.
We just needed to confirm the suspect was staying there but everyone would be able to spy a cop from a mile away.
I suggested that we set up a bogus traffic stop. This, by the way, isn’t something I came up with — we’ve been using similar techniques for years.
The premise is simple: Initiate a car stop right in front of the residence and start filming.
The lead investigator is the “suspect.” He is also the person who controls the timing of the stop. Done perfectly, he gets pulled over in an exact position where he can run a camera, peeking out of the suspect car. It doesn’t hurt to have several cameras running, like one on the “suspect” and one looking out from the car.
This is what we found:
1.) The fugitive that wouldn’t dare step out of his doorway can’t resist pulling back the blinds, giving investigators full view of his face
2.) New associations — gleaned from other faces who just have to look out the window — are established (and they always surprised us)
Recommendations:
• Too much activity is suspect — that includes trying this technique more than once
• Use a legit plate, normal radio traffic and handcuff the “suspect”
• “Impound” the car — work it out with your tow company
• Use real officer safety techniques — if doesn’t look right, they’ll know before you do
• Have an idea of what your team wants to know — and don’t sweat it if you don’t get this information
Have fun with this! Innovative policing is the kind of stuff that we like to talk about later behind the Thin Blue Line.
Stay Safe!
