NCJ Number
114855
Journal
Criminal Justice Policy Review Volume: 2 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1987) Pages: 133-149
Date Published
1987
Length
17 pages
Annotation
A survey of both American and British police, police superiors, and civilians inquired about the acceptability of deception tactics in police work.
Abstract
Various deception tactics have become commonplace in police work, such as 'sting operations' for snaring burglars, alluding to nonexistent witnesses during interrogations, and 'abscam' type operations. Courts have accepted such practices in the belief that deception is preferable to coercion and that deception can be limited to the investigation stage without extending to the courtroom phase of a case. The survey of police, police superiors, and civilians regarding the acceptability of deception tactics found only minor differences between the groups in their approval of deception tactics. All groups voiced a generally high level of approval. There were differences in views of the kinds of deceptions regarded as acceptable. There was greater approval for a deception tactic if the tactic was believed to be in common use. Widespread use of deception tactics, however, seems to have injured the credibility of police testimony in court cases. Police agencies should formulate specific guidelines regarding the use of deception tactics. 3 tables, 28-item bibliography. (Author abstract modified)