I am currently listening to Snitch City a podcast from the Boston Globe and reporter Dugan Arnett. It is available where ever you get your podcasts. If you are interested in managing confidential informants (human sources) it is well worth a listen.
It tells a side of the story and I am hoping in future for balance. I am up to episode 2 . I am really hoping New Bedford Police engage to give a more comprehensive reply.
Having said that it is always good to know what others think of police actions. There is a lot we can learn. In the podcast there may be things I disagree with however there is a lot I have no issues with at all and things that should be standard practice.
Much of it is outlined in the book HUMAN SOURCES - Managing Confidential Informants The book is based on academic research and extensive discussions with international law enforcement agencies. If these systems had been in place then what happened in New Bedford probably would not have happened.
Many agencies think they have an effective system to manage informants but in reality the system has been built on outdated values and limited experience.
If police want to manage informants effectively and in an accountable way things need to change. The basics are:
THERE ARE NO ‘OFF THE BOOKS’ INFORMANTS. That is corruption written large. No Chief should permit it.
Every confidential informant must be registered and managed in accordance with a comprehensive set of procedures.
Confidential informants should only be managed by a limited number of officers selected and trained specifically for that role.
The agency needs to keep comprehensive records of every contact with the confidential informant, a registration process for this and a comprehensive risk assessment.
All information obtained must be processed in an intelligence management system before it is used.
AT HSM Training and Consultancy we are huge advocates of the use of confidential informants. We want to help you to do it better and more safely for everyone. If you want to improve how things are done in your agency get in touch. If you need help with systems and structures we can help you review what you have and establish better ones. If you need training we can give you everything from basic training to the most advanced training available. We will equip your agency with training and systems that improve productivity and keep your agency safe.
Here is the book. It is $14 . Follow it and what you will get are better managed and more effective confidential informants. If you want all of it explained specific to your agency contact us info@hsmtraining.com
