NCJ Number
128008
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This paper discusses management of confidential informants (CIs).
Abstract
In order to direct and monitor CIs, it is necessary to understand their motivating factors such as money, revenge, elimination of competition, fear, self-aggrandizement, prosecutorial or judicial leniency, and repentance. Although investigators are encouraged to develop a trust-based relationship, they should be aware of potential problems resulting from lying, double-dealing, rip-offs, and blackmail to prevent significant risk to the integrity of the investigation and officer safety. A particular recommendation concerns maintenance of a file on informants' activities. Other topics covered include legal use of informant information; problems for the agency, supervisor, and investigator; and uses for an informant file system. Guidelines are provided for determining key elements of an informant file system, using informants, using unreliable informants, and securing CI files.