1161: Tegan Broadwater | How a White Cop Infiltrated the Crips Part Two

Off-Books Ops

Tegan Broadwater's undercover operations were marked by unconventional, off-the-books methods. He often worked without official backup, relying instead on a single patrol officer who stayed on the line during dangerous operations 1. This approach was born out of necessity due to limited resources and the impracticality of assembling a full surveillance team for every mission 2. Tegan's ability to operate independently was crucial, as he was already embedded within the gang, making it risky to introduce additional undercover agents 3.

I needed to do it primarily because time was a key factor and essentially there I spent so much time that it was a non starter. There was no team that could stay down there every single day, including weekends and everything else.

--- Tegan Broadwater

His methods, though unorthodox, were effective in advancing the case.

   

Daily Presence

Building daily connections was essential for maintaining Tegan's undercover identity. He made it a point to be seen in the neighborhood almost every day, even during personal time, to avoid raising suspicions 4. This constant presence helped him establish relationships and gain trust, which was crucial for his operations 5. Despite the risks, Tegan often operated without a wire, as he believed it was unnecessary for casual interactions like playing video games to build rapport 6.

And because I didn't have the money. Two, I needed to establish relationships and find out who's who. And so I just go down there and before you knew it, after 8, 10, 12 months, I'm going down there and they're inviting me.

--- Tegan Broadwater

His approach was about blending in and becoming a familiar face.

   

Psychological Toll

The psychological toll of undercover work was significant for Tegan. He often worked 80-hour weeks, which blurred the lines between his real identity and his undercover persona 7. The pressure to deliver results while maintaining his cover was immense, especially when faced with budget constraints and the need to justify his expenses 8. A particularly tense moment occurred when a TV show featuring Tegan in his police uniform aired while he was in a trap house, highlighting the constant risk of exposure 9.

You begin to forget who you really are. How did that show up in your life? Because some guys really, they became more of their Persona.

--- Jordan Harbinger

These challenges underscored the high stakes of undercover operations.