MBI Agents are assigned to the task force from their home agency and take law enforcement action when necessary while travelling to and from their residence, field operations, or training. MBI Agents typically wear casual clothing and have an unmarked police vehicle assigned to them in order to carry out their investigations. The issuing of unmarked vehicles has proven to be beneficial not only for MBI operations but also for the community. The ability to observe criminal activity without being detected is a major advantage MBI Agents have over uniformed law enforcement officers. There should be no doubt that MBI Agents are proud to be assigned to the task force and strive for perfection.

Did you know that MBI Agents patrolled Orange/Osceola County streets after the devastating 2004 Hurricanes hit the metropolitan Orlando area? Why? In order to prevent looting or other crimes while law abiding citizens followed the directions of the Orange and Osceola County Sheriffs and stayed in their homes. In fact, MBI Agents observed suspicious activity during one of the hurricanes, maintained surveillance, and caught an individual in possession of stolen property taken from a residential burglary. These hurricane preparedness operations are routine but are rarely mentioned to the public.

While MBI's primary mission is to dismantle and deter narcotics, vice and organized crime in our community, consider the person in the car next to you may just be an MBI Agent. While they may not be in a position to take noticable police action for traffic violators or suspicious activity, often times MBI Agents radio in license plates, vehicle descriptions, and clothing descriptions in order to prevent crime or protect you from reckless drivers. You should take comfort in knowing that MBI Agents are experienced law enforcement officers and are on the roads in our community daily keeping a watchful eye out for criminal activity. MBI Agents are always ready to act should an emergency situation arise.

Finally, please do not forget that MBI Agents, like all law enforcement officers, are human; they bleed, they cry, and they have families too.

Listed below are some notable law enforcement actions MBI Agents have been involved with in our community.

• MBI Agents were conducting law enforcement operations in unmarked vehicles on January 24, 2007 near the Orange County Booking and Release Center. MBI Agents observed an inmate running away from Correctional Officers in an orange prisoner jumpsuit and immediately gave chase. The inmate was arrested and charged with Escape. The MBI Agents involved in the capture were recognized and received awards for their actions.
  
  
• An MBI Agent was travelling to their residence and was monitoring radio traffic. An in progress burglary was taking place in the immediate area and the Agent provided the Orlando Police Department Officers working in the Conway / Curry Ford Road area additional support. The burglar was apprehended after a short foot pursuit.
  
  
• An MBI Agent was travelling on Interstate 4 when they approached a single car crash blocking the right traffic lane. The Agent requested paramedics for the driver, arranged for the vehicle to be moved from the roadway, and notified the Florida Highway Patrol.

###