Tip or snitch : the world of informants and police discretion

Abstract

The world of informants has always attracted interest and speculation. Policing would be impossible without intelligence and so the police rely on informants to provide valuable information about the societies they seek to control. In this modern era of proactive policing, the need for guidance on managing informants and information is indispensable. Covert sources have always been protected under the secret umbrella and treated under controlled settings which significantly are created, shaped and maintained to become official hidden sources of the police. The tricky business of informant handling and management will be discussed in relation to the discretionary police powers which include issues of trust, confidentiality, secrecy and accountability. Using a number of open-ended questions which were forwarded to a number of Europol liaison officers, this research inquires the police practices in obtaining information. Manipulation and overpowering of police officers and ethical issues are also highlighted in this study. This research will also deal with how information is managed and how it is and can be utilised within the criminal justice system. In conclusion, this study generates recommendations that take into consideration the practical, legal, operational and guidelines of best practices in managing informants for Malta Police.