Confidential Informants

Confidential informants (CIs) are individuals who provide law enforcement with information about criminal activity, often in exchange for leniency, protection, or financial compensation. CIs can be regular citizens, victims, or even suspects. Their information helps police investigate crimes, gather evidence, and make arrests. Due to the sensitive nature of their involvement, CIs' identities are kept secret to protect them from retaliation. While their contributions can be valuable for law enforcement, there are concerns about the reliability of the information they provide and the ethical implications of using individuals who may have their own motivations.