Round the World
| Published date | 01 March 1964 |
| Date | 01 March 1964 |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X6403700313 |
| Subject Matter | Round the World |
~.
V1
Round
the
World
Items appearing in police magazines
allover the
world.
•
"OPERATION
DECOY"
In the past, disguise has often been employed by policemen as an aid against
the criminal and as a means of detecting crime, with the idea of covering up the
policeman's real identity. In the present day, however, the technique of using
this colourful and effective aid has been developed so
that
it can be used to
absorb the force and shock of criminal attack which previously fell on the com-
munity.
In an article appearing in the West Pakistan Police Quarterly, Michael J.
Codd describes the way in which the police in New York City used this aspect
of the technique of masquerade for such a purpose.
There was in the city an increase in crimes of violence and indeed, in the
nation as a whole. Although the rate of arrest more than outstripped the pace of
the crime, the Police Commissioner, Michael J. Murphy, felt that something
should be done to prevent these attacks on the public at large.
Accordingly, he ordered the use of decoys throughout the city, hoping to divert
the violent attacks away from their ordinary victims. The idea was to use male
policemen masquerading as women, as well as in men's dress, in special areas
where women had beenthe main victims of assaults, robberies, indecentexposures,
purse snatching and the like. Teams were formed consisting of three members,
one of whom was the decoy, dressed in female clothes, while the other two were
dressed in ordinary male dress, to cover-up. Only volunteers were assigned to
pose as females because of the danger of personal injury. Parks, recreation
grounds and similar areas were chosen as the places in which these decoy patrols
were to work.
At first members borrowed from wives, sisters and mothers and presented
some amusing sights. Nevertheless, on the first trials, two arrests were made in
widely separated areas.
As time went on, however, the men improved their styles and their make-up.
Wigs and dresses were purchased, the arrests increased and criminals were
shocked when they discovered that policemen and not helpless women were in
fact their victims.
The public supported to the full the whole idea. Newspapers devoted space
to the accounts of these happenings. editorials were written in support; letters
expressing approval came in to the officeof Commissioner Murphy. The publicity
thus given to the masquerade came in for criticism both by police and public
alike, as it was felt it might alert the criminal, but the prevention of crime is
one of the prime functions of the police and if a psychological atmosphere can
be built up in which the criminal is doubtful of the success of his crime, he may
decide not to commit it. In addition, the public are kept aware of the constant
efforts and concern by the police in providing adequate police protection.
Mr. Codd discusses valuable lessons learned in the art of disguise. The
background should be studied and clothes appropriate to that background
chosen. Nothing bizarre must be worn as this draws attention to the person
wearing it. The period of time must be right for a particular occasion, such as in
the case of attacks on workpeople returning home when it should be just before
or just after the main
exodus-the
lone, defenceless employee, either too early
or too late. Footwear is important. Sturdy shoes must be worn in case pursuit
of the criminal is necessary.
In order to reduce the risks run by the decoy, an experimental type of headgear
was tested with a plastic skull-can, fitted inside with foam rubber, which could
be worn under wigs or other head coverings.
A plan of action must be devised by each team; team members must be
trained in the method of operation of the particular criminal, and they must
have great patience, sometimes spending hours playing as decoy role. The decoy
must"only present the criminal with an opportunity of committing his crime, he
must not entice, persuade or cajole him into committing it.
March 1964
14S
To continue reading
Request your trial