NCJ Number
98252
Date Published
1985
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This program brief describes the program concept, goals and objectives, critical elements, implementation, and experiences of the Property Crime ('STING') Program initiated in 1974 to penetrate criminal fencing operations through undercover techniques.
Abstract
Additionally, the program expands the contact and relationships to identify and deal with other fences. It also penetrates the prime or upper levels of the redistribution system to interdict, disrupt, and destroy the system. The goal of the program is to disrupt the illicit commerce in stolen goods and property. To meet this goal, certain objectives must be met. These include reducing the incidence of property crime, reducing court costs through obtaining and presenting overwhelming evidence, and recovering and returning stolen property to its rightful owners. There are five critical elements in a 'STING' operation: (1) planning, (2) administration, (3) security, (4) coordination/cooperation, and (5) operations. The conduct of a successful 'STING' operation results from thorough planning and should culminate in a project design that serves as a blueprint to shape and administer the effort. The credibility of the operation and its personnel must be established and procedures for dealing with such issues as threats to personnel and premature arrests should be developed. The results of 'STING' operations have repeatedly met and exceeded law enforcement's investment and commitment. The program efficiently uses resources to target a large criminal population and also succeeds in servicing victims of property crime. Included are sources for technical assistance, a four-item bibliography, and a Federal program contact.