Ex-Covert Detective Inspector Offers An Introduction To Specialist Operations
I’m happy to turn my blog over to ex-detective inspector and now crime fiction author Roger A. Price…
AN INTRODUCTION TO SPECIALIST OPERATIONS – FOR USE IN CRIME WRITING – BY ROGER A. PRICE
There are plenty of excellent crime fiction novels written by ex-detectives out there. So, when I stopped being a crime-fighter and turned crime-writer, I decided to draw from my covert experiences to inspire my writing.
What is meant by ‘Covert Policing’ or more narrowly, ‘Special Ops’? Well anything sneaky comes under the umbrella of covert policing. The use of informants, surveillance – both physical and technical, such as bugs and telephone taps. Or the use of undercover officers.
‘Special ops’ means the use of undercover officers; and that means specially trained officers as opposed to detectives in plain clothes. They have to pass rigorous selection and ongoing psychometric evaluations. They come in all shapes and sizes, in all purported walks of life – or legends – and have real backstories that will stand any scrutiny.
Sometimes, they are used for quick jobs, such as drug bust-buys, or can be used on long term infiltration operations. All deployments are fully risk assessed based on the known. It’s the unknown that often proves to be the tricky bit.
For the crime writer though, it does provide a wealth of characters to draw from. Don’t feel limited by the stereotypes, such as drug dealers or wagon drivers; let your imagination go.
In real life, if I had been planning a ‘Special Ops’ tactic to assist in an investigation, the test often comes from how abstract one can be. After all, the bad guys know undercover officers exist, and not all situations are doable with the tactic.
For example – if, in your novel, you wish to infiltrate an established crime family who only deal with people they have known ‘criminally’ for many years, then a direct approach from a stranger just isn’t going to work.
However, what if the chauffeur has a warrant out for his arrest for outstanding traffic violations? Or the gardener turns out to be in the country illegally? The good guys could orchestrate the tactical removal of said employee only to provide a replacement, who could be our undercover operative.
Imagine our gardener or cleaner wandering around the household hidden in plain sight! Seen but never noticed. What havoc they could run, collecting evidence, planting listening devices or whatever else the officer leading the investigation requires.
All great fun for a writer; and if you enjoy writing it, there is a very good chance readers will enjoy reading it.
In my debut crime thriller, ‘BY THEIR RULES’ undercover tactics, listening devices, phone taps and informants all get a run out with surveillance too.
The only problem in the real world is that the use of covert tactics are – rightly – scrutinised and tightly controlled.
In my fictional world there are no rules of engagement. My protagonists are playing by their – the antagonists’ – rules.
A sequel entitled, ‘A NEW MENACE’, is due out later this year where the same good guys face a new and unprecedented challenge – the criminals kidnap a police employee and hold the cops to ransom.
More information is available at my website: www.rogerapriceauthor.com
I hope you enjoyed my little view into the covert world of Special Ops, and remember, it’s as wide as your imagination.
Thank you for having me.
Roger.
A new, ruthless and implacable mastermind from Africa has surfaced in gangland, carrying out his darkest deeds in the murky grey shadows of London’s back streets. But, following the multiple slaughter of a large number of policemen by this monster, and his intention to commit further atrocious crimes, the challenge has to be met. The result is that this reign of terror is likely to have catastrophic consequences so emergency action is imperative.
Together, Lee and Burrows form a talented, resourceful, athletic team of experienced investigators who become dedicated to the eradication of this evil, yet powerful killer. But Cabilla’s awesome control of his murderous gang who torture victims to death, and his totally ruthless plans still appear to be gaining ground throughout the City…
Published: January 2014
About the Author:
Roger A. Price served for over thirty-one years with the Lancashire Constabulary, Regional Crime Squad and National Crime Squad. He retired in the rank of detective inspector in charge of a covert unit in Lancashire, which received local and national acclaim for its successes in engaging those who openly sold Class A drugs, such as heroin and crack cocaine.
Prior to this he led the C.I.D. in Preston for a short while and before that was in charge of a dedicated informant unit. Previous experiences include work on many murder investigations and other serious crimes, as well as time spent on drug squads.
Connect with Roger on his website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Thanks for reading. 
