Undercover
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- This article is about the investigatory practice. For the 1990s TV series, see Under Cover (TV series). For the 1980s Christian rock band see Undercover (band). For the 1983 Rolling Stones album, see Undercover (album). Undercover is also the title of a 2003 album by the German band the Puhdys
Being undercover or wearing plainclothes is disguising one's identity for the purposes of gaining the trust of an individual or organization to learn secret information.
This method is used by police and intelligence agencies. To wear plainclothes is to wear "ordinary clothes", instead of wearing a uniform typically associated with the occupation, in order to avoid detection or identification as a member of law enforcement.
Many countries allow the use of undercover law enforcement officers solely or primarily for the enforcement of laws against recreational use of certain drugs. Many of these officers are allowed to commit crimes if it is necessary to maintain the secrecy of the investigation, or in order to collect adequate evidence for a conviction. Some people have criticized this practice as failing to ensure equality under the law because it grants police officers the right to commit crimes that no other citizen could commit without potential consequences.
