Title
Document Type
Work and Vocation Essay
Publication Date
10-20-2011
Excerpt
“Out on the streets, you have your badge and uniform to protect you. Walking into a crack house, you feel naked,” Investigator Jennifer Gobel explained, describing her experience working undercover in South Bend Police Department’s Narcotics Division. Gobel revealed the intense details of a specific drug bust she took part in during her two years in the Narcotics Division. The SBPD was working to take down a long-time drug dealer, “O,” and in the attempt to do so, set up several undercover deals with Officer Gobel. After having met with “O” several times before, she set out to make one final deal with him inside his home. Upon her arrival, “O” became unusually suspicious and asked Officer Gobel if she was wired. She explained to me that the Department has other ways of monitoring undercover operations without a wire but she was, however, carrying a gun. “O” was growing impatient and was ready to search her for a wire, using any means necessary. “You have to be able to think on your feet and talk yourself out of situations,” Gobel said. She decided to tell “O” that she was not wired, but she was carrying a gun. She told “O” that she carries it everywhere just to be sure she can protect herself. “O” was furious that she would bring a gun into his house, “where his kids sleep,” and disrespect him. She explained the fear that overcame her as the 6’6”, 175 pound drug dealer towered over her raging with anger knowing he could pull his own gun on her any second. Fortunately, “O” cooled down, finished the deal, and Officer Gobel walked out of the home unscathed. Of her nine years in law enforcement, this experience was her scariest (Gobel 3 March 2011).
Recommended Citation
Vail, Brooke, "Wearing Blue (2011)" (2011). The Valpo Core Reader. 7.
http://scholar.valpo.edu/core_reader/7
Comments
Copyright © 2011 by Valparaiso University and the Author. Use with permission.