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A Sting Operation Used the “Mafia” to Fight Crime in D.C. Did it Work?

In 1976, a creative police-FBI sting operation captured headlines, praise, and controversy.

09/09/2023 | Rating NR

Boundary Stones

A Sting Operation Used the “Mafia” to Fight Crime in D.C. Did it Work?

9/9/2023 | 4m 15s

In 1976, a creative police-FBI sting operation captured headlines, praise, and controversy.

In 1976 D.C. police dressed as caricatures of Italian mafisosos and bought millions in stolen goods from local thieves. They called it "Operation Sting," and soon police across the country were launching "sting operations" of their own. But not everyone was so enamored with the tactic, especially the communities it was being used to target.

09/09/2023 | Rating NR

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Boundary Stones is a local public television program presented by WETA

Boundary Stones

A Sting Operation Used the “Mafia” to Fight Crime in D.C. Did it Work?

9/9/2023 | 4m 15s

In 1976 D.C. police dressed as caricatures of Italian mafisosos and bought millions in stolen goods from local thieves. They called it "Operation Sting," and soon police across the country were launching "sting operations" of their own. But not everyone was so enamored with the tactic, especially the communities it was being used to target.

09/09/2023 | Rating NR

Problems playing video?   | Closed Captioning Feedback

Report a Problem

Before you submit an error, please consult our Video Help page.

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