Lt. Robert Arscott and the Operation Sting team sit amid stolen goods

The Operation Sting team, led by Lt. Robert Arscott (seated) [Reprinted with permission of the DC Public Library, Star Collection ©Washington Post]

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The First Sting: Did a New Tactic by D.C. Police Ensnare Criminals or Entice Crime?

Washington DC
 by
Ben Miller

In 1976 D.C. police dressed as cartoon Mafiosos 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.

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Last Updated: September 12, 2023