The recruitment and management of agents in undercover drug trafficking criminal investigations

Abstract

The organized and sophisticated way in which criminal targets conduct the crime of drug trafficking, necessitates the use of undercover agents in undercover drug trafficking criminal investigations. The goal of this research was to determine how agents should be recruited and managed for undercover drug trafficking criminal investigations. The correct recruitment and management processes when dealing with agents in undercover drug trafficking criminal investigations, which enable investigators to follow a logical sequence, was explored by the researcher. The entire recruitment process of agents in undercover drug trafficking criminal investigations was discussed, from studying the criminal target, identification of a suitable agent and then the recruitment process itself. Legal aspects and administrative processes to be utilized to manage agents were discussed. The researcher utilized national and international literature sources to gather new and current information on the recruitment of agents in undercover drug trafficking investigations. Interviews were conducted with retired and experienced former South African Police Service (SAPS) officials who managed and recruited agents during their employment in the SAPS. The general purpose of this research was to provide practical recommendations on the best practices for the recruitment and management of agents in undercover drug trafficking criminal investigations.