A confidential informants work for the government, often secretly, to gather and provide information or to testify, sometimes in exchange for cash or leniency in punishment for their own crimes. Courts have clearly recognized that confidential police informers play a vital role in law enforcement. The near absolute privilege attached to the identity of these individuals is premised upon the duty of all citizens to aid in enforcing the law and is meant to protect these individuals against retribution from those involved in crime.
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
Title: Understanding the Alaska Agreement between Informant and Law Enforcement Agency Introduction: In the state of Alaska, an agreement between an informant and a law enforcement agency plays a crucial role in facilitating effective cooperation between sources of information and the authorities. Such agreements are designed to outline the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties while ensuring the protection of the informant's identity and wellbeing. This article provides a detailed description of the Alaska Agreement between Informant and Police Department or Other Law Enforcement Agency, including its key components and variations. 1. Definition and Purpose: The Alaska Agreement between Informant and Law Enforcement Agency is a legally binding document that establishes a working relationship between the informant and the designated law enforcement agency. The primary goal is to gather credible information crucial to ongoing investigations or criminal proceedings while ensuring the informant's safety and security. 2. Key Components: a. Confidentiality: The agreement emphasizes the utmost importance of maintaining the informant's anonymity and protecting them from any potential harm or retaliation. b. Information Disclosure: The informant agrees to provide accurate and reliable information to the law enforcement agency, whether it involves specific criminal activities, persons of interest, or any related details. c. Cooperation: The agreement stipulates the informant's commitment to assist the law enforcement agency by attending court hearings, providing testimony, or aiding in ongoing investigations, within the bounds of the law. d. Compensation: In some instances, the agreement may define the compensation or remuneration terms for the informant's cooperation, typically based on the value and veracity of the information provided. e. Termination Clause: The agreement outlines the circumstances leading to the termination of the relationship between the informant and the law enforcement agency, such as breach of confidentiality or failure to meet obligations. 3. Types of Alaska Agreements between Informant and Law Enforcement Agency: a. General Informant Agreement: This broad agreement applies to informants providing information on various criminal activities within a jurisdiction. It focuses on maintaining the informant's safety and confidentiality while gathering valuable evidence. b. Drug-Related Informant Agreement: Specifically tailored for informants who provide information on drug-related crimes, this agreement highlights aspects pertinent to narcotics investigations, undercover work, and controlled substance transactions. c. Witness Protection Agreement: In cases where an informant's cooperation poses significant risks to their safety, a witness protection agreement may be established. This agreement provides enhanced measures to safeguard the informant's identity, relocation, and ongoing care. Conclusion: The Alaska Agreement between Informant and Law Enforcement Agency serves as an essential tool to foster cooperation, trust, and effective communication between informants and authorities. Through a comprehensive understanding of the agreement and its variations, law enforcement agencies can better ensure the successful gathering of actionable intelligence while protecting the rights and welfare of the informants.
