According to Jillian Snider, a retired NYPD officer and adjunct lecturer at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, the use of plainclothes agents in traditional law enforcement usually serves a purpose. Snider, who is also a resident senior fellow at the R Street Institute, stated: “Historically, sending in plainclothes officers kind of gives officers the upper hand for that moment before anyone realizes who they are.” She added, “Does that mean that it doesn’t contribute to an erosion of community trust? Absolutely not.”













