A Nationally Accredited Law Enforcement Training Academy

Confidential informants are critical tools for all levels of narcotic investigations. From street-level narcotic
buys to complex conspiracy investigations, informant information can make or break the case. Narcotic
officers must learn to properly cultivate and develop informants to have success in arresting drug
violators and seizing large quantities of drugs, firearms, and U.S. currency. Historically, police agencies
provide very little training to officers that manage informants. This practice often leads to highly
publicized scandals, which could include officers being disciplined, fired, or sent to prison for the way
they handled their informant. One of the primary causes of informant scandals is the lack of written
policies and procedures.
To adequately maintain control over informants, law enforcement agencies must clearly define what
activities informants are permitted to participate in as well as prohibited activities. Written policies will
also add accountability for officers responsible for managing an informant. This two-day training course
will provide proven techniques and strategies to cultivate, maintain and control informants.
Sample policies, procedures, and informant agreements developed by Professional Law Enforcement
Training (PLET) will be presented to officers to better prepare the officers to deal with informant
scandals. Officers will participate in case studies where informants were murdered under the watchful
eye of law enforcement. In many instances, the controlling detective and the police agency were held
accountable for improper informant procedures. Techniques will be presented to assist officers in
minimizing the risks associated with informant operations.