Here is a story about the compromise of a list of informants names from Nevada’s Record Courier. A worker in the state’s information technology department, was able to open the file containing the names, addresses and even photos of the informants. These were then given to a drug dealer.
If informants are being managed properly this should not be possible. It is negligence on the part of the agency managing the informants to expose them to this risk.. We are putting people’s lives in great danger.
Simply, a very limited number of police officers/staff should have access to all an agency's informant data. With limited number we mean three or four and all employed by the police department who are managing the confidential informant. Generally speaking, these will be members attached to the crime/intelligence department. Each member managing an informant should only have access to the informants they manage.
It is negligence to place them on a data base where those outside the agency have access to it. This is what appears to have occurred in this case. This is a huge lawsuit waiting for a lawyer. The lives of these informants have been put at risk.
If an agency wants to manage informants they need to invest in secure software that has been built to protect the identities of informants. Such a solution will not cost you as much as the likely damages should one of those compromised choose to go the route of a lawsuit.
The agency also needs to invest in training the officers involved. Had officers been properly trained they would have recognised the risks involved here.
If you want to know what you need read our book on Human Sources. If you want to know what a proper IT solution looks like visit Altia and ask their US representative Tay Jones about a demo. If you need training drop us a note: info@hsmtraining.com And if you are the Chief whose informants were compromised…you might need to have your check book ready.
We are here to help. We have spent years identifying the risks in managing informants and in developing solutions. Let our expertise help you.
