Which quality is characteristic of a "covert" operation?

A quality that is characteristic of a "covert" operation is its secretive nature. Covert operations are deliberately designed to be hidden from public view and involve activities conducted undercover to maintain confidentiality and prevent exposure. This secretiveness helps protect the identity of operatives and the integrity of the operation itself, allowing law enforcement to gather intelligence or execute strategies without alerting suspects or the general public.

In contrast, operations that are highly visible would defeat the purpose of a covert approach. Likewise, openly discussed operations would be contrary to the fundamental principles of secrecy in covert work. Legally documented operations, while they may exist, do not fully capture the essence of what makes a covert operation distinct, as the primary focus is on maintaining discretion and anonymity rather than formal documentation.