NCJ Number
47843
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 47 Issue: 2 Dated: (FEBRUARY 1978) Pages: 16-20
Date Published
1978
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE LAW ENFORCEMENT ROLE OF THE SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT CRIMES SPECIFIC SECTION'S DECOY SQUAD IS EXAMINED.
Abstract
SEATTLE'S SKID ROAD SECTION IS A HIGH-CRIME AREA WHERE ROBBERY AND BEATING OF THE AGED AND INFIRM OFTEN OCCURS. TO COMBAT THESE ATTACKS, A SMALL SQUAD WAS FORMED IN THE EARLY 1960'S AS A PART OF THE PATROL DIVISION. AS OF FEBRUARY, 1978, THERE ARE 14 OFFICERS, 3 SERGEANTS, AND 1 LIEUTENANT IN THE UNIT. THE GROUP OPERATES PRIMARILY BETWEEN 7 P.M. AND 3 A.M. IT MAY SERVE AS A BACKUP UNIT FOR OTHER DIVISIONS WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OR AS A STAKEOUT UNIT. FIREARMS TRAINING IS EMPHASIZED, AS WELL AS PHYSICAL CONDITIONING. ALTHOUGH THE CRIMES SPECIFIC SECTION HAS BECOME PROFICIENT IN UTILIZING BOTH UNIFORMED AND PLAINCLOTHES PATROL, THE SAFETY OF THE OFFICERS IS PARAMOUNT, AND DECOYS MUST WEAR BULLETPROOF VESTS. THE DECOY SQUAD ALSO SPECIALIZES IN CROWD CONTROL, UNUSUAL OPERATIONS PROCEDURES, INTELLIGENCE ACTIVITIES, VERY IMPORTANT PERSON PROTECTION, AND HIGH-CRIME AREA SATURATION. THE SQUAD IS EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE IN ITS WORK AND ABILITIES. EFFECTIVE DISGUISES ARE OFTEN VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF ITS OPERATIONS. THE SQUAD'S COMMANDER MAINTAINS A MAKEUP CASE WITH VARIOUS SWATCHES OF HAIR FOR BEARDS AND GAUZE BANDAGES AND IODINE TO FAKE INJURIES. CRUTCHES ARE SOMETIMES USED BY THE OFFICERS TO GIVE AN APPEARANCE OF HELPLESSNESS IN ORDER TO PUT POTENTIAL JACKROLLERS OFF GUARD. (JSP)