Here is a story about Rapides Parish Sherriff’s office and the rape of a confidential informant Have a read.
If I was to let loose about what I think I would probably say things I regret. And that would be wrong because I don’t know the full facts. What I do know is this:
The woman was an informant
She was raped.
The police put her in a position where that rape took place and did not protect her.
If I was working for her lawyer, I would be asking to see the agency’s policies for informant management. I would want to know the training each of her handlers had received. I would want to see the operational plan for the operation and the risks that were identified. know who authorised the operation and what training they had received. And I would be wanting to know why the officers involved were not using equipment that is readily available to protect the source. And finally I would like to hear the Sheriff’s thinking on whether all of the above and whether the risks were reasonably foreseeable and reasonable measures were taken.
Now take a look at your own department and see how you would perform addressing these questions.
Coming from a law enforcement background I find it frustrating when the police drop the ball so carelessly, create another victim and make it more difficult for other officers to do their job.
At HSM we strive to help agencies put in place adequate structures to prevent this type of incident. If you don’t ask we can’t help you.
