Challenges in the Development of Covers

Rachael Riggs

National American University/ Henley-Putnam School of Strategic Security

INT535: Cover

Dr. John Lervold

November 2021

Challenges in the Development of Covers

Introduction

There is a multitude of reasons for cover in an operational environment. Cover can range from the simple "shallow" cover that only lasts a few hours to deep cover that could take many years. (UNODC, n.d.) The US government frequently utilizes Cover operations for many of its activities. An undercover person is usually considered a spy or an undercover officer. While these people regularly use cover, others likely to use cover include a diplomat, a police informant, an FBI agent, a defector, or even the average citizen attempting to escape a hostile country. (Pomeroy, 2014) Whatever the reason for the cover, there will likely be issues and complications that arise in every situation and type of confidential environment.

Basic Challenges

One of the issues involved in developing a cover, especially that of a defector situation, is the timeframe available for appropriate briefings and preparations. (Mendez, 2000) Often, limited time and resources will be available, so the potential for a cover team to help work with a person could be the difference between life and death. Another problem that exists is the training of the individual in the use of a cover. (UNODC, n.d.) Individuals who must work undercover occasionally need more training, as is sometimes seen with an informant. (Redemann, Fuller, & Hammick) In a situation where a citizen must escape the hostilities of a nation, they may have to do so with limited prior knowledge and must quickly take on this cover for their own safety. (Affleck, 2012)

Physical and psychological problems (Redemann, Fuller, & Hammick) is a risk that exists for a person maintaining a cover. While these risks are always possible in a hostile environment and within the undercover operations of law enforcement, physical safety is a significant concern. The potential of being taken hostage and threats to an individual's life are high-security concerns that need addressing while working with any cover. (The New York Times, 2021) (Redemann, Fuller, & Hammick)

Psychological issues are typically problematic for a person who must maintain a deep cover for an extended period. The problems can include the person undercover having problems keeping their personal relationships, marital issues, and not seeing their children often enough. In addition, there are the demands of living with a false identity, anxiety, and fear related to being "found out." (Curran, 2021) Spies and Undercover officers are likely to experience feelings of abandonment, isolation, trust issues, PTSD, and even hallucinations. (Sharps, 2020)

Finally, there are the prevalent issues of morality and ethical issues surrounding work undercover. Cover typically comes with manipulation tactics, deception, invasion of privacy, pushing boundaries, violating the rights of others (Nathan, 2017), and potentially setting a person up to participate in acts that person might otherwise not be involved in. (Hay, 2005) The person working undercover usually participates or encourages participation in illegal or unethical behavior. These issues cause one to question the thin line between good and evil and what should be acceptable for one person. Also, what is acceptable behavior for one, what makes it so, and do the pros outweigh the cons?

Conclusion

The cover is necessary for many reasons in government work. However, with cover comes complications and risks to one's life and the safety of themselves and those around them. The best way to mitigate these risks is with proper planning, training, and careful execution. As with most things, setbacks and problems will arise. The best way to handle these issues is to understand the difficulties involved, know how to address such cases and make proper preparations to mitigate the chance of the problem occurring in the first place.

Training and preparations for this type of work are imperative to good cover. Whether this is feasible or not will depend on the situation. Because of this, having a good cover team standing by is just as important.

References

Mendez, A. J. (2000). The Master of Disguise. New York: HarperCollins.

Pomeroy, G. (Director). (2014). CIA Declassified [Motion Picture].

Redemann, D., Fuller, C., & Hammick, G. (n.d.). Undercover Operations Policy. Retrieved from https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a763b4bdc2b4a0bdb3cec20/t/5ab41dfc758d46d6fb322bab/1521753599573/Final+UC+Policy+2.pdf

The New York Times. (2021, October 6). CIA issues warning on informants. Retrieved from Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/oct/06/cia-issues-warning-on-informants/

UNODC. (n.d.). Undercover Operations. Retrieved from UNODC: https://www.unodc.org/e4j/en/organized-crime/module-8/key-issues/special-investigative-techniques/undercover-operations.html