Funding is likely to come from a one-time Federal grant. The agency should clearly define its goals and the scope of an investigation before starting the program. Next it should determine how and when to use informants and should identify potentially successful undercover officers. A covert operation typically involves a series of drug buys and lasts 4 to 6 months before funds run out, the undercover operative is identified, or the operative can no longer perform the job. The agency should decide how to handle cases and when and whom to arrest before ending the operation. It should also plan and conduct all undercover operations carefully to avoid losing the confidence of the community and to achieve the goal of protecting the community. 1 reference note.