confidential informant management

Case Law - Confidential Informant used, New Mexico USA

We are always on the lookout for material that may be of use to officers. This is a very clear explanation of case law that affects the use confidential informants in New Mexico specifically and USA generally. It goes to two issues whether or not a person was “seized” and “reasonable suspicion” based on the word of an informant.

Erik Scramlin (lawyer) explains both issues well. Thanks to him for sharing his insight.

It is always worth examining the nuances involved around using information obtained from informants.

Confidential informants and police corruption

Here is a story from New Albany, Indiana about a police officer that went well and truly down the wrong road with a confidential informant, (human source, CHIS). This type of think could have happened in many police departments. The case is far from unique. No doubt everyone is seeking to cast all the blame on the officer. Time would be better spent looking at how this behaviour occurred and how it continued for two years.

Proactive Recruitment of Confidential Informants

An article discussing the proactive recruitment of confidential informants (Human sources, HUMINT) by low and county police departments in the USA.

Records management - Backing up police records.

Here is a story from Minneapolis about the destruction of police records some of them pertaining to confidential informants. In one case the records were destroyed by police and in the other as a result of public disorder.

Verinote - An App to help in managing confidential informants

This article discusses the use of the VeriNote app and its utility in confidential informant management. There are a lot of features about this product that make it ideal for officers involved in managing confidential sources (HUMINT, covert human intelligence sources, CHIS, and confidential human sources). Here we list some of the features that will make it very appealing to anyone involved in this type of work.

Using Information from Confidential Informants - Lawsuit

Using Information from Confidential Informants - Lawsuit

There is little point in collecting information from a confidential informant if the police can’t use it. How to use it in a way that is lawful and defendable is problematic for some agencies. The consequences of getting wrong are well documented and have resulted in deaths and lawsuits. This article discusses one such lawsuit and provides details of how to build a system to make sure everything is done lawfully and ethically. The article also addresses what needs to be done to ensure that informant information is used properly in obtaining warrants.

Confidential informant legislation. New law in Minnesota for informant management.

This article discusses new legislation that has been introduced into Minnesota, USA relating to the management of confidential informants. There are major training implications for law enforcement agencies in the state. The article provides links to the background and the relevant legislation.

Confidential Informant Management Software - Preventing Corruption and Saving Money

An article about the benefits of using software in the management of confidential informants (human sources, CHIS, HUMINT) The article lists the advantages and the cost savings that can be made. It provides examples of informant software options available and details some of the things a Chief of Police should look for in buying a system. Corruption relating to confidential informants is a big problem. Software solutions go a long way towards managing all the risks present for police officers engaged in this activity.

Confidential Informant Management - Ten Essential Records

A guide to the records that are essential when it comes to managing a confidential informant. A list of the 10 key records police should have in an informant management file. Will be of interest to any officer managing informants.

Confidential informants and Incentivized Witnesses - knowing the difference

Confidential informants and incentivized witness - law enforcement need to know the difference and put in place structures to manage the difference between these two categories. Discussion on Informant privilege and innocence at stake.

Managing confidential informants - What constitutes negligence.

Confidential Informant - negligence and wrongdoing by law enforcement. Expert advice for all involved.