Course Summary
A confidential source (CS) is often also called an “informant.” This course discusses how identifying, developing, establishing, and controlling informants is an essential part of successful police work.
Working with a CS is done at all levels within the department, including at the patrol, investigations, and administrative levels. Things to consider when working with a CS include:
• Obtaining information from a CS can be formal or informal and must be corroborated.
• Working with a CS requires a skillset that is developed with time and experience.
During this course, officers will learn the different motivations of a CS and the various do’s and don’ts of working with them. These include:
- Always document EVERYTHING when dealing with a confidential informant. This includes briefings, debriefings, payments, equipment usage, and signed statements
- Do not accept information from a CS at face value
- Always question CS information and actions
- Never meet a CS alone, especially for payment purposes
- NEVER pay a CS from your own pocket
- Never meet a CS alone
- Never accept presents, meals, or ANYTHING else from a CS
- Never have a CS over to your house
- Never loan a CS money and never buy anything from a CS
There are benefits to using a CS. This course will cover HOW to use a CS, WHEN to use a CS, WHY to use a CS, and WHEN to stop using a CS.
Course Syllabus
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Module 1 - Confidential Source Management
- Introduction
- Confidential Informant Motivation
- Various Types of Confidential Source
- Documenting the CS - Developing the CS package
- Corroborate and Control - Utilizing your CS
- Evidence Obtained, Pitfalls with, and Paying a CS
- Acts of Violence Against CS
- Attributes to Failure in CS management
- Deactivation of CS
- Source of Information
- Module Assessment