Vol. 7 No. 1 Cheyenne (Jarvis) Jones • 11 undercover operations protect officers from the typical psychological effects of traditional undercover operations, these remote operations can still produce negative effects. These psychological risks may not materialize in the same manners as with traditional undercover operations, but due to the large involvement of child pornography or other sex crimes in web-based undercover operations, psychological strain and distress is still likely to occur. Traditional undercover operations will exist long into the future, as the drug and gang industries do not seem to have an end in sight. However, the development of remote, online undercover operations provides a safety net and a viable option for officers and police departments to catch suspects without incurring the risks involved with in-person undercover operations. Conclusion While the above literature demonstrates disagreements among scholars and researchers regarding the specific psychological effects—whether positive or negative—that plague undercover officers and the various techniques available to treat the effects, very few scholars or law enforcement professionals deny the existence of any negative psychological effects following an undercover police operation. Looking at the literature, it is clear that current policies are in place to protect the officer from undue harm both physically and mentally while serving undercover, such as the extensive selection criteria. However, research demonstrates shortcomings as well, seen through the limited training processes and follow-up protocols following an operation. There is certainly room for improvement in these areas. Past and present research on this topic has brought to light many crucial aspects of undercover operations and their various effects. Whether it is the distinction between psychological effects of everyday police procedures and undercover operations, or the possible recovery strategies used by officers and departments to relieve psychological burdens, the above research has greatly aided the progression of law enforcement policies and procedures. However, there are still areas in which the literature has demonstrated a need for further development. While this need is shown through the literature, the specific connection between the psychological effects of undercover operations and the shortcomings of law enforcement agencies has not been clearly solidified. While that is a connection this current study seeks to strengthen, future research will be necessary to supply quantifiable data to support and assess the effectiveness of the solution strategies. Methodology This research project relied heavily upon qualitative procedures. The majority of the data collected was done so through content analysis. It was possible to delve into many various articles, books, and published testimonies from the early 1900s to the modern eras. Such a range allowed for the evolution
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