Going Undercover: Secrets & Sound Advice for the Undercover Officer

By Jerry Van Cook

Whether you are an experienced undercover officer or just starting out, this book will help you make sure the cards are stacked in your favor when you "go under." Author Jerry VanCook's 14 years in... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0873648625
• ISBN13: 9780873648622
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Paladin Pr
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.8" x 5.8"

Customer Reviews

The best

Going Undercover: Secrets and Sound Advice for the Undercover Officer, by Jerry VanCook, provides clear instructions for developing an alternate identity with a personality flexible enough to work in a barroom or a boardroom. You'll learn how to deal with such vital aspects of undercover operations as handling wary, greedy or double-crossing informants; covering the inevitable mistakes you'll make while undercover; and choosing the appropriate weapons to carry in case things go wrong. The book is written in a clear and entertaining voice, far from the dreary, dry read found in too many police technique books. VanCook takes you through the details of undercover work while making you feel as if you are being let into a private world only a few experience. Here are some of the chapters contained within. * A special message to women undercover officers * Creating an undercover identity * Creating an alternate personality * Personal transportation * Undercover Overnight * Getting into character * Rehearsing your new identity * Advance training * Working narcotics and other illegal drugs * Robbery, burglary and theft * Homicide * Electronic aids * Creating illusions * Undercover weapons * Developing memory * Testifying in court * And lots more One of the features I like about Going Undercover is that not only does VanCook explain in detail how to do a particular phase of undercover work, but he also shows how things can go wrong, which they usually do, and what you can do about it. For example, in a chapter called "Creating Illusions," the author explains how you can convince a burglary suspect, who you are trying to get next to, that you are an armed robber. He even shows how you can take the burglar along on a "robbery." VanCook then illustrates what can go wrong even with the best of plans. The author's writing is conversational and filled with humor and crammed with excellent information. I recommend this book.

Good Detail

I'm not a cop, but I enjoy cop books. I was pleasantly suprised at what an easy and enjoyable read this was. He's a very good writer, reminicent of Dale Carnegie in that he doesn't just tell the reader what's going on, he shows the reader through easy-to-understand stories. He gives good, solid, common-sense advice to the potential undercover agent. A fun read for anyone.

A great buy for any fan of true crime or police procedurals!

This book is written in a clear an entertaining voice and is by no means a "dry read" like some of the non-fiction police/crime related works. The author takes you through the details of undercover work while making you feel like you're being let in to a private world, as well as a private joke at some points in the book. This book is a must-have for any fan of true-crime, police proceduarl fiction, as well as anyone wishing to be a police fiction writer. (And, don't forget, those wishing to be police officers as well.) Five great big stars!

Before you go "undercover" read this book.

Going Undercover provides clear instructions for developing an alternate identity with a personality flexible enough to work from the barroom to the boardroom. You'll learn how to deal with such vital aspects of undercover ops as handling wary, greedy or double-crossing informants; covering the inevitable mistakes you'll make while undercover; choosing the approriate weapons to carry in case things go wrong and much more. Called a "bible for police survival" by Jim Cirillo of NYPD's stakeout unit(RET).