At HSMTraining we are always looking for new information about human sources, HUMINT Confidential Informants, covert human intelligence sources CHIS. Of particular interest is always anything that comes from academia. Here is a paper describing some new research others may find of interest
Problems with confidential informants - We can fix them
A lot of agencies out there have problems with the management of confidential informants. Unfortunately, some of them do not know it yet. For others they are trying to clear up the mess. And one or two are trying to cover up the mess not caring that it will just manifest itself again in a different way at some stage later.
At HSM Training and Consultancy we believe we have the solutions regardless of what the problem is.
Confidential Informant related corruption - USA
Well here is a different take on a an unfortunately all to common tale of allegations of inappropriate sexual relations between a police officer and a confidential informant. Unfortunately, this is not the first time that allegations of serious corruption relating to informants and Philadelphia police department have come to light. This article discusses options to remove the risk of such allegations/and events.
'Informants used to help free hostages' - The benefits of using human sources
A good news story from Nigeria about the release of hostages. Interestingly in the story is the point they make about using informants to get intelligence about the criminal gangs. Using confidential informants (HUMINT, Human Sources, CHIS) has become very much the poor cousin of intelligence collection. Many have consigned it to the too difficult to do tray in favour of OSINT collection. The reality is that if informants are managed properly the amount and quality of intelligence they produce cannot be surpassed.
Informants, alleged corruption and systemic failures.
A report on a case we are following closely from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, about the trial of a former police officer and his relationship with a number of confidential informants. Allegations of consensual sexual relationships, rape and the supply of heroin to an informant are all in there. While the accused guilt of innocence is, for our purposes, academic, the allegations point to a systemic failure to manage informants safely.
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.
HUMINT Books for Law Enforcement and Military
TWO Books that provide the know how for successfully managing HUMINT operations. A comprehensive guide to the structures needed and the psychology involved. Will be of interest to HUMINT collectors and detectives managing confidential informants. These HUMINT books for military and law enforcement uniquely prepare police agencies and intelligence officers to conduct effective HUMINT operations in any country.
HUMINT and Managing Confidential Informants - knowing the difference.
It is far from unusual to come across law enforcement agencies where the term HUMINT is used, or to come across law enforcement officers who talk about having attended HUMINT training or that they are involved in HUMINT activities. Here,we will discuss to concepts HUMINT and Human Source Management (aka informant management) and identify some of the differences in the two disciplines.