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.
The Oregon Police Department Confidential Informant Declaration of Understanding and Agreement is a crucial document designed to establish clear guidelines and expectations between law enforcement agencies and confidential informants (CIs). This comprehensive agreement outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties involved in the collaboration. The primary aim of the Oregon Police Department Confidential Informant Declaration of Understanding and Agreement is to ensure that both the police department and the informant operate within a legal and ethical framework. By formalizing their relationship, this document helps maintain transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the informant's cooperation with law enforcement. This declaration covers various aspects essential to the informant's role and their interaction with the police department. The agreement emphasizes the confidential nature of the informant's participation and underscores their responsibility to provide reliable and accurate information. It highlights that the informant's assistance should not involve any unlawful activities, ensuring that both law enforcement and informants adhere strictly to established regulations. There may be different types of Oregon Police Department Confidential Informant Declaration of Understanding and Agreement, depending on the specific circumstances and individual agreements between the informant and the police department. Some common variants could include agreements tailored for drug-related investigations, organized crime cases, or specific criminal activities. Within these agreements, key elements typically addressed include: 1. Confidentiality: This section outlines the informant's obligation to maintain absolute confidentiality regarding their cooperation with the police department. It emphasizes the need to protect the informant's identity to ensure their safety and the integrity of ongoing investigations. 2. Compensation and Benefits: The agreement may specify the financial compensation and other benefits the informant might receive in return for their cooperation. This could include considerations such as reduced charges, sentence reductions, or protection from prosecution related to their involvement in criminal activities. 3. Cooperation and Reporting: The document outlines the informant's duties to actively cooperate with law enforcement by providing reliable and timely information. It establishes reporting procedures, requiring the informant to provide accurate accounts of their observations, interactions, and any relevant evidence. 4. Limitations and Scope: This section clarifies the informant's involvement, indicating their boundaries and restrictions regarding specific criminal activities or individuals they are permitted to target. It also sets limitations regarding the use of entrapment techniques to ensure investigations remain within legal boundaries. 5. Termination: The agreement defines the conditions under which the collaboration between the informant and the police department may be terminated. This could be due to various factors such as the expiration of the agreement, a breach of terms, or changes in the informant's circumstances. The Oregon Police Department Confidential Informant Declaration of Understanding and Agreement plays a vital role in fostering effective collaboration between law enforcement agencies and confidential informants. By acknowledging the importance of ethical conduct, the agreement enhances the reliability of information provided by informants while safeguarding their rights and well-being.
