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Words of wisdom for the Professional Enforcement Agent
Surveillance, surveillance, surveillance, and then more surveillance. There can be no substitute for your personal observations.
No matter how tempting it is to go through the door of the fugitives primary residence… DON'T! If there is any reasonable way to avoid it, do so. Go through the door ONLY if it is ABSOLUTELY necessary to do so to apprehend the fugitive. If it takes more time, days, or even weeks to avoid a forced entry… take the longer, safer route.
Remember, the primary criticism of the ATF regarding the Branch Davidian in Waco was the fact that David Koresh frequently jogged outside the compound. If they had conducted adequate surveillance, they could have arrested him outside the compound! There would have been no loss of life!
DO NOT make an excessive display of weapons! If you are going to take a weapon with you, do not make them look excessively foreboding. And DO NOT 'brandish' them! You do not want to be the one in handcuffs on the 10 o'clock news!
Although, intimidation and the appearance of superior force may be helpful in some situations, it can also be very frightening and unlawful. It can cause panic, produce excessive reactions, and even start a fight where none would have occurred otherwise.
Leave the Military and SWAT attire and weapons to the Military and the SWAT. Again, we want to guard against excessive reactions and panic. Save the militaristic weapons, clothes and tactics for your monthly militia meetings. THEY HAVE NO PLACE IN BAIL RECOVERY!
Keep continuous notes concerning all your actions. Take video / photos whenever possible. Write down your personal observations about the condition of the people present and their reactions. Do it as soon as is practical, and keep the notes for five years.
Be aware of the type of fugitive YOU are pursuing. What you should need to arrest a serial killer may be quite different from what you will need to arrest a routine traffic court skip. Forget the Police mindset that each can be dangerous. YOU are NOT a Police Officer! You are a "Fugitive Recovery Agent". As such, you are permitted to think and reason on your own accord. Use your most awesome weapon… your brain!
Always be totally cognizant of the way in which others may perceive you, your bearings, and your actions. Endeavor to create a firm, responsible, safe, and commanding presence. Not a menacing presence. Handle yourself so that you will be perceived as being in complete control of the situation. As opposed to being viewed as an irresponsible danger to society.
!!!!!!!!!!!And DON'T USE A BADGE!!!!!!!!
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