Dangerous Secrets

[translation]

One danger that is hidden in the minds of many players is that their identity is discovered.

"There was a time when all I did was make our license plates confidential to protect our identity," said a secret agent, who has worked in variety of details in the county, including narcotics. His name is not revealed to protect his identity. "Now with the Internet, if you want to find someone in this world, you can find it."

In recent years, police officers have been alerted to Web sites "rats" who put information and, in some cases, photographs of agents and informers.

There are endless amounts of information out there, "said Sgt. Michael Kleczko San Bernardino County Sheriff 's Department's Hi-Tech Crimes Detail. He has been aware of such sites for some time.

Identify a site said more than 4,000 informants and 400 agents - for a price.

The nature of work covered is inherently dangerous, added the secret agent, and sites like this may hinder the more labor.

"Such information not only compromises pending or future government investigations, but places informants and undercover agents in grave danger," he said in a written statement from the assistant U.S. attorney Peter K. Levitt.

Cell phones with cameras can act as tools used by criminals who seek to disseminate information about agents and witnesses. Officers learned that friends were accused of taking photos of undercover agents and witnesses during trials, which prompted authorities to ban cell phones in the palaces of justice.

The Sheriff's department is taking steps to ensure the safety of secret agents as well as protect their identities, officials said. On the sensitive nature of the topic, can not disclose details.

While many criminals are aware of the risks involved when they break the law, was bothered by the dishonesty of a person who is portrayed itself as what it is not.

"I take more personal if they think they have been deceived," said the undercover agent.

It is that personal disparagement that can put the agent's life in danger.

In one particular case, the actor recalls having engaged in friendship with a criminal who took under his charge.

"I wanted to teach me how to cook drugs," said the official.

After a time working with the criminal, was formed trust.

"I trusted their criminal operations and how they had got away with, and all the time this was being documented," said the official.

Once the operation ended and the man discovered that his apprentice was really a policeman, a sense of betrayal surfaced.

"Not only does this type lost in this game, he felt absolutely betrayed - in a twisted sense of betrayal. That exacerbates extras desires to hurt those who cheated, "said the official.

Tr. Carmen V. Gutierrez, El Mojave

Photos by Sarah Alvarado / Daily Press
Danger secret: A secret agent standing over the city of Victorville. Police officers have been alerted to websites' rats' that put information and, in some cases, photographs of agents and informers.

Preparations: secret agents working to be at the top of the game organized crime scenarios from real life.