What is a confidential informant?

A confidential informant is best defined as an individual who provides information about criminal activity to law enforcement, often in exchange for some form of protection, leniency, or assistance with their own legal issues. This relationship between the informant and the police is typically kept secret to protect the identity of the informant, as revealing their identity could put them in danger or jeopardize ongoing investigations.

The role of a confidential informant is crucial in law enforcement operations, particularly in cases involving drug trafficking, organized crime, or other serious criminal activities where obtaining information from outside sources can lead to arrests and successful prosecutions. The confidentiality reassures the informant while allowing law enforcement to gather necessary evidence and intelligence.

Other options describe different types of individuals or situations that do not accurately reflect the role of a confidential informant. For example, a person convicted of a crime assisting the police refers more to a cooperating witness rather than one who operates under confidentiality. A witness who refuses to testify does not fit the definition, as their role does not involve providing information in exchange for protection, nor is it tied to law enforcement's need for confidential information. An officer disclosing sensitive information to a friend does not encapsulate the concept of a confidential informant, as this scenario lacks