Should untrained citizens conduct the risk-laden, otherwise illegal activity of police, as required by some informant-police agreements? A non-probability (convenience) sample of Internet-based confidential informant (CI) policies from US police agencies was collected (n = 165). “We tell the (district attorney) that the CI was jerking us around, and the DA works to get the maximum sentence possible,” O’Brien says. Police officer. Dated March 1, 2006, and dubbed “Rule 333,” it contains the classification of types of informants, informant restrictions, recruitment procedures, and the responsibilities of supervisors from the detective all the way to the chief, Bureau of Investigative … Several Supreme Court cases have helped to mold this area of the law. W Hunt explains how the use of informants undermines liberal values. IDENTITY OF CONFIDENTIAL POLICE INFORMANTS . BACKGROUND: Courts have clearly recognized that confidential police informers play a vital role in law enforcement. Informants can lie to investigators and commit crimes while working for police. The Boston Police Department has released its procedures regarding the handling and recruiting of confidential informants. Once that happens, the deal is off. The near absolute privilege attached to the identity of these individuals is premised upon the duty of all citizens to aid in enforcing the law and is meant to protect these individuals against retribution from those involved in … In most states, the rules governing the use of informants … The near absolute privilege attached to the identity of these individuals is premised upon … Police know that using informants is a delicate give-and-take situation that can go bad faster than a speeding bullet. Former FBI Special Agent and philosopher Luke. In the most tragic cases, children who otherwise might have been advised by their parents to reject advances by police to become an informant have died as a result of their confidential involvement in criminal cases. Police insiders blame the loss of hundreds of experienced officers - as a result of savage budget cuts since 2010 - as well as a tightening of rules around informant recruitment. BACKGROUND: Courts have clearly recognized that confidential police informers play a vital role in law enforcement. U.S. Department of Justice guidelines regarding the use of confidential informants in criminal investigations and prosecutions. What Are the Rules Regarding Warrants Based on Informant Tips? GUIDE TO LAWS GOVERNING POLICE OFFICERS ⇒ Warrant, Arrest, and Custody Law » Police Brutality Law » Talking to Police » Law Enforcement Liability; Dealing with informants is a controversial aspect of criminal law. Confidential Police Informants (Privilege) DATE: May 20, 2008. SUBJECT: THE PRIVILEGE ATTACHED TO INFORMATION RESPECTING THE IDENTITY OF CONFIDENTIAL POLICE INFORMANTS.