Here are two stories around things going badly wrong in regard to confidential informant management.
One from Siloam Springs and one from Los Alamos
Have a read at the stories and check out what happened. Now look at your own department and ask your self “How could this happen in our department? “ If your answer is ‘It couldn’t ‘ you might want to look again. We all like to think we have systems and procedures that stop these types of incident from occurring. Yet, if you are a regular reader of this blog you will see they do time and time again.
These issues are avoidable. However, if we are off the mistaken belief that every officer can manage informants then they are much more likely to occur in your agency. And if you are not providing adequate training to officers who are managing informants then there is a good chance these or other similar issues are already occurring. Managing informants is a high risk activity. You need structures and training to manage these risks. And training is not a four hour lecture or some on-line effort.
Officers need proper training that allows them to clearly identify the risks and benefits and equips them with the skills to manage informants properly. If you don’t put such structures in place do not be surprised if you end up facing a negligence lawsuit, from an officer, an informant or a member of the public.
We support the police. We want to help you do your job. We have been there and know what can go wrong. I’m guessing you would prefer to do things in the best way you can.