Informants, legal informants

Informants are legal, first of all. They confidentially provide information to law enforcement agencies. Yes, they can get paid, but that is the minority. Most got caught doing something and complied with a sting operation (being undercover) to get leniency or charges dropped.

One thing to remember with this topic is that their identity is protected unless they are called as a witness in court. Also, to be a legal informant, many things are considered. Some of this is common sense to an investigative mind, but some aren't. Below is a simple list of what is considered.

1. age
2.alien status
3.are they party to privileged info?
4. relevance of info
5.relationship to anyone involved
6.ability of officer to ensure they only do what they are supposed to / how they would use legitimate organizations for info
7. motivation
8. various risks to case
9. can statements be backed?
10. reliable/truthful?
11. prior record as witness
12. criminal history
13. risk of flight or harm to general public?
14. substance abuse.
15. relative in law enforcement?
16. harm to self/family if inform?


When it comes to legal informants, the pre-chosen (a common example is drug buying) crime is pardoned so they can be undercover and help bust someone. If they do what was pre-arranged well they receive their leniency, charges are dropped, or they are paid. It's rather simple compared to some legal concepts. It's a deal made with law enforcement, at its most basic.

It is equally important to note that private investigators don't get this legal privilege and don't have the regulation law enforcement agencies have. Law enforcement and PIs aren't the same. They may have helpful sources on the side, but they aren't called informants in that situation.

Check my research. Keep me honest, fellow writers. I aim to educate you with the truth. When you write your informants to life, keep in mind the paid are the minority and there are laws to follow when using them. I can only put so much in one blog post, so if you want to hear more, comment below.