Informers: Policing, Policy, Practice

Citation

Ratansi, S. (2005), "Informers: Policing, Policy, Practice", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 28 No. 4, pp. 714-716. https://doi.org/10.1108/pijpsm.2005.28.4.714.1

The gathering of information and intelligence has always been an essential element of policing but its importance and scope only continues to grow. Advances in technology coupled with crimes on a global scale stress the need for “good” intelligence as well as how to properly and ethically acquire it. This book is composed of eleven chapters on various topics related to the use of informants by law enforcement agents. Contributions for each chapter are from professionals in the field as well as academics.

Chapter one deals specifically with the use of informants in the drug field by law enforcement agents. One of the first issues addressed is whether the use of informers who are acquainted with the drug trade and deeply involved in criminal activity reduces or perpetuates the level of drug use and drug‐related crimes. In other words, if “Mr. Big” is the ultimate prize then is “licensing” smaller dealers who are informants the best way to proceed?

Critics of informers note that illegal activity by “licensed” dealers may lead to future problems and disrespect for the criminal justice system. However, the authors contend that although data is unavailable, informers are invaluable and an important investigative tool but that consideration still needs to be given to developing better investigative techniques and increased training for handlers.

Chapter two explores informer‐related corruption through examples of specific cases. The author discusses the negative nature of a few informer and handler relationships but overall emphasizes the benefit of information gathered from informants for law enforcement agencies. The author stresses that the majority of contacts between police officers and informers are conducted according to the highest possible ethical standards and are subject to a high degree of supervision and oversight. Informers are seen as a vital component in the fight against crime and should continue to be used under strict anti‐corruption guidelines.

Chapter three discusses ethical dilemmas surrounding police use of informers. On the positive side, the use of informers as an intelligence source is a move towards “proactive” instead of “reactive” policing and secondly, the use of informants has a long tradition and history in social control and law enforcement. On the negative side, many possible problems could arise, especially involving secrecy, coercion and deception.

Additionally, a continuing ethical dilemma associated with informers is that the most valuable informants are generally those most involved in the criminal subculture. In other words, is it ethically justifiable to let an individual continue with criminal behaviour as long as that individual continues to give helpful information on other crimes and criminals? The authors contend that using informants can be justified on utilitarian grounds, but only when the benefits outweigh the potential costs. Consequently, the use of informers in a professional and accountable manner ensures support by the public and courts.

Chapter four is devoted to the issue of accountability in the use of informers by the police and of agents by the Security Service, in England and Wales. The Security Service is an intelligence gathering organization without powers of arrest. The major issue discussed is whether there should be disclosure of an informant's identity when the information gathered from him/her is used in a court setting.

Chapter five examines informers' motives for giving information and the reasons why they become involved. Understanding an informants motives is crucial for law enforcement agents to maintain a working and productive relationship. Six main reasons for being an informer are discussed: payment, revenge, self‐protection, damage to a competitor, secure esteem of the officer, and personal satisfaction. Financial, dislike of particular crime, reduced sentence, and revenge account for 60 per cent of the top motivational reasons. Research also indicates that most informers do not go through any significant moral changes throughout their career.

Chapter six addresses an issue that is seldom discussed but still very important, female informers. Three main concerns are presented: specific issues and problems about women informers, female police handlers and witness protection programs for women. Information is gathered from questionnaires and interviews with 28 female informers and interviews with female handlers and staff.

Although the ratio of male‐to female informers is not known it is assumed that there are far fewer female informers than males based on the number of female offenders. Findings show that female informers are generally involved in matters relating to their family or loved ones and that their reasons for informing are more complex than males. Female informants tend to be unemployed, divorced, older mothers, with prior convictions

Female police handlers issues revolve around credibility and therefore their relationships with the informers are based on mutual trust and respect. They are also more likely to treat their informers differently than males, especially in terms of respect towards minority clients. Witness protection for women is also problematic in that many more issues surrounding family and children may arise.

Chapter seven deals with juveniles as informants. Primary emphasis is placed on the ethical dilemma created by sending a message to youth that the relationship between police and citizens is based on self‐interest and money. Aside from issues on citizenship, procedures for protecting the physical welfare of juvenile informers are also discussed. Chapter eight discusses specific issues related to informants known as “supergrass”. Informants who give information or evidence on a grand scale for the prosecution related to organized crime and political violence. Chapter nine presents the relevance and importance of Crimestoppers to the informer system, including how it operates, history of its development, and its management. Crimestoppers guarantee of anonymity and rewards has resulted in increased arrests since its inception.

Chapter ten addresses the different levels of status given to informers who have been accepted into the witness protection program. There are three forms of protected status: protected witnesses, protected informers, and resident informers. Specific issues discussed include: cost, problems with relocation, new identities, hoping informants will continue living legally and problems with transporting individuals to other countries. The final chapter deals specifically with legislation in the UK (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000) that assists authorities with a legal framework on the handling of informers and investigation techniques.

My overall assessment is that this is an excellent and comprehensive book on the topic of informants. Numerous practical issues on the use of informants presented by those in the field as well as legal and ethical dilemmas presented by academics provide a nice balanced read. The only possible drawback to the book is that discussion on the legal aspects of handling informants is based on British Law. This is not a significant problem and may indirectly lead to further readings on possible differences between US and British laws and regulations on the use of informants by law enforcement agents. The book is too small too be used as a primary text for a class but would make a good supplemental text for classes dealing with police issues, investigation, ethics or the criminal justice system.