Going Undercover: Secrets And Sound Advice For The Undercover Officer [Illustrated] [Paperback]

Jerry Van Cook (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1996 | ISBN-10: 0873648625 | ISBN-13: 978-0873648622 | Edition: illustrated edition

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 undercover police work will help you fine-tune your skills so you can merge effortlessly with murderers, drug dealers and thieves on their turf to gain their trust and make the bust.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jerry VanCook has trained thousands of police officers, military personnel and civilians in both armed and unarmed defense over the past 30 years. He spent 14 years in law enforcement with various agencies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Paladin Press; illustrated edition edition (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873648625
• ISBN-13: 978-0873648622
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,393,021 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best, April 13, 2000

By 

Loren w Christensen (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Going Undercover: Secrets And Sound Advice For The Undercover Officer (Paperback)

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.

4.0 out of 5 stars Some things never change, June 12, 2011

By 

Global nomad "S" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going Undercover: Secrets And Sound Advice For The Undercover Officer (Paperback)

Van Cook's book on Going Undercover was published in the 90's but remains relevant today. Why? Because some things never change. Whether you call it undercover, espionage, or a variety of other labels, the skillset remains the same. Van Cook's book outlines common characteristics of the undercover officer, methods of approaching the lifestyle including developing and establishing cover, safety, working informants, and potential pitfalls.

Those with a passing interest in the life of the undercover officer will find this interesting. Those whose labels may be the same (officer) or different (agent), but whose activities remain the same, will find this a solid 101 level intro. A recommended addition to the library.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Detail, December 23, 1999

By 

Allen97 (Manhattan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Going Undercover: Secrets And Sound Advice For The Undercover Officer (Paperback)

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.