NCJ Number
163899
Date Published
1996
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This research addressed the extent to which juveniles are used as informants by British police, whether they might be used more often, and any operating guidelines that might be required.
Abstract
A sample of 12 forces was selected for the research, and their most experienced informant handlers were asked about their dealings with juvenile informants, whether on an official or unofficial basis. Operating instructions for informants from each force were also obtained if available. The results show that a large proportion of handlers have used juvenile informants, but primarily in an unofficial and unregulated way. Lack of guidelines, lack of support, or the expectation that overly complicated operating instructions would be imposed were most often cited as reasons for not registering juvenile informants. Informant handlers were eager to have clear national instructions on the use of juvenile informants, so as to resolve ambiguities that arise from either locally formulated guidelines or the absence of formal guidelines. Had forces followed or circulated the guidelines of the Association of Chief Police Officers, even without any of the suggestions offered by this study, then many of the problems associated with juvenile informants would have been eradicated. 7 references and an appended discussion of media reaction to the police use of juvenile informants