In a remarkable turn of events in 1985, law enforcement agencies embarked on a unique mission. They blended creativity with a strategic approach to capture wanted fugitives. The U.S. Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., orchestrated a clever sting operation. They called it Operation Flagship.
The focal point of Operation Flagship was an irresistible invitation sent to the fugitives. It masqueraded as a fictitious television company. The offer?
You will receive two complimentary tickets to see the Washington Redskins play the Cincinnati Bengals.
Plus, you’ll have a chance to win tickets to the coveted Super Bowl XX. The bait proved irresistible, and the fugitives eagerly accepted, believing they had struck a stroke of luck.
In 1985, the police sent free Super Bowl tickets to wanted criminals just to arrest them when they arrived to the stadium PIC.TWITTER.COM/TS0QHKTX5O
— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) FEBRUARY 11, 2024
The twist came during a supposedly free brunch at the Washington Convention Center. The fugitives were to claim their tickets there. Law enforcement officers were disguised as members of the U.S. Air Force Band: Tops in Blue, cheerleaders, emcees, caterers, mascots, and maintenance staff. The attendees needed to be made aware of this. The grand illusion culminated in the arrest of 101 wanted fugitives. This marked Operation Flagship as one of the most significant mass arrests of fugitives in U.S. law enforcement history.
Operation Flagship was not a standalone endeavor. It was part of a broader initiative called Fugitive Investigative Strike Team (FIST) operations. These operations aimed to capture thousands of wanted fugitives across the United States. They often used unconventional tactics, such as the “get-something-for-nothing” schemes seen in Operation Flagship.
Apprehending fugitives was the primary motivation behind this unorthodox use of Super Bowl tickets. They had skillfully evaded capture. The operation had specific objectives in mind. These included capturing fugitives and enhancing public safety. They also acted as a deterrent to potential criminals and achieved efficiency in mass arrests.
From the operational standpoint, the police meticulously identified and selected wanted criminals through existing databases. Invitations were sent out, and the fugitives were directed to the convention center, where the elaborate plan unfolded. The success of Operation Flagship was due to disguises and careful venue selection. One hundred sixty-six marshals and police officers were involved. It costs an estimated $22,100, about $225 per arrest.
Sting operations like Operation Flagship can raise ethical concerns. However, the overall public and legal system’s reaction appeared optimistic. They celebrated the operation as a triumph in the pursuit of justice. The operation’s success likely influenced future law enforcement tactics. Its ripple effects, such as capturing fugitives and enhancing public safety, played a role. The operation showcased the innovative and creative approaches that law enforcement could employ to ensure the safety of communities.
In the grand scheme of law enforcement history, Operation Flagship stands out. It is a testament to the lengths authorities go to uphold justice. They are willing to lure criminals with the promise of Super Bowl tickets. The surprising police methods continue to be a remarkable chapter in crime fighting. It is an excellent story of ingenuity.
