Dissertation
Who is a good liar? Developing a test battery for covert operatives
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00286
Abstract
Covert operatives, that is police working in undercover, surveillance, human source handler and witness protection roles, are required to be believed in the roles they undertake not only for their own safety but for the safety of other police officers, civilians, and the general public. Whilst the selection tests and training for each covert area is extensive, none currently include an objective test of the officer's believability. Believability is not only crucial for the safety of all concerned, it is also a determinate of investigational success which is defined as the identification, prevention, disruption and/or prosecution of offences (Police, 2014). For an organisation, covert operatives represent a substantial investment in time and cost, and a substantial risk. Risks include the disclosure of covert assets, capabilities, and methodology, and the risk of reputational damage with partner agencies domestically and internationally, including government confidence, which ultimately impacts on agency budgets. Therefore, a test of believability prior to training for a covert role would benefit all concerned.
Details
- Title
- Who is a good liar? Developing a test battery for covert operatives
- Authors
- Monica Semrad
- Contributors
- Bridie Scott-Parker (Supervisor)
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00286
- Organisation Unit
- School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99451340902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
- Research Statement
- false
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