Historical background -- Informants, cooperating witnesses, and sources defined -- Motivations for cooperation -- Recruiting informants -- Plea-bargaining, substantial assistance, and downward sentencing departures -- Documentation, registration, and the confidential source file -- Sources of compensation for informants -- Whistleblowers -- Corroboration of informant information -- Informants and search warrants -- Controlled purchases of evidence by informants -- Undercover investigations -- Controlling informants and institutional ethics -- Witness security program: falling off the face of the Earth.
Summary:
"Now in its second edition, this volume takes a scholarly approach to an often misunderstood and controversial law enforcement investigative technique that traditionally has been shrouded in secrecy. Written by a former Miami vice and narcotics detective, DEA agent, and attorney, this authoritative book is based on "boots-on-the-ground" experience. Revisions to this edition include extensive updates to each chapter, discussion of sweeping changes in the FBI's informant program, addition of high-profile cases, and updated references. Featured topics include immigration reform, the irresponsible use of informants and lawsuits, whistleblowers, cooperation fees, the management of informant-driven search warrants, and fabricated information"-- Provided by publisher. "Preface Like most criminal investigators, active and retired, I owe the informants and cooperating witnesses I recruited and operated over the years for many, if not most, of the investigative successes I enjoyed. Some threatened the outcome of costly investigations. Each informant I worked with presented unique challenges. Informants often face incredible risks for their handlers. Some try to take advantage of their relationship with law enforcement in a system ripe with opportunities for abuse. My experience with informants has been mixed. An informant saved my life during an undercover heroin operation. One of the informants I utilized was murdered in a Miami alley when she was suspected of cooperating with the police. I've had to deactivate a few informants for misconduct. The cooperating witness in a smuggling investigation I participated in had to enter the U.S. Marshals Witness Security Program because of death threats, never to be heard from again. I've helped send more than one informant to prison. My experience with informants has proven invaluable in my later career as a criminal attorney and international criminal law advisor. Regardless, this book could not have been written was it not for the experience of working side by side in highly charged situations with an odd mix of felons, prostitutes, and con artists. Unfortunately, they all must go unnamed. I am sure they would want it that way"-- Provided by publisher.
Series:
CRC series in practical aspects of criminal and forensic investigations
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.