Undercover Storefront Operations

Undercover storefront operations : continued oversight of ATF's reckless investigative techniques : hearing before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, second session, April 2, 2014.

This thrilling story memorializes one of the most dangerous--and successful--series of undercover operations conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Written by the special agent who took these operations from disrupting small time fencing schemes to infiltrating major criminal organizations, this book is the first story of these secretive operations. During the operation's run from 2006 to 2014, Lou Valoze's fictitious businesses allowed his team of undercover agents to take thousands of weapons out of circulation and millions of dollars of drugs off the street. Through these covert "storefront" operations, the author developed a unique investigative blueprint for removing guns from the hands of violent felons and drug dealers. This book also explores the dark reality of living a double life and how it becomes difficult to tell the difference between the good guys and bad guys.

Undercover operations are valuable ways for law enforcement agencies to gain information and investigate crimes from inside the worlds criminals inhabit. These operations can be dangerous, and readers learn about the risks inherent in this line of work as they explore the fascinating history of undercover operations. Enlightening sidebars, informative fact boxes, and detailed photographs provide readers with additional information, including tips for preparing for a career that could involve undercover work. Readers are also introduced to fascinating facts about the technology used in undercover operations and how that technology has changed over time.