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 Washington Agreement of Understanding with Confidential Informant is a legal document that establishes a cooperative relationship between law enforcement agencies and confidential informants in the state of Washington, United States. This agreement outlines the terms, conditions, and responsibilities of both parties to ensure effective collaboration in criminal investigations. Key Terms: 1. Washington Agreement: Refers to the specific agreement established and followed within the state of Washington. 2. Understanding: The agreement aims to establish a mutual understanding between law enforcement agencies and confidential informants regarding their roles and responsibilities. 3. Confidential Informant: An individual who provides undercover information to law enforcement agencies while maintaining their anonymity and receiving protection. 4. Law Enforcement Agencies: Includes police departments, federal agencies, and other authorized organizations responsible for maintaining public safety and enforcing the law. 5. Criminal Investigations: The process of gathering evidence, identifying suspects, and achieving successful convictions in criminal cases. Types of Washington Agreement of Understanding with Confidential Informant: 1. Standard Agreement: This is the most common type of agreement that outlines the general terms and conditions for working with confidential informants. It includes clauses related to the informant's compensation, protection, and confidentiality. 2. Drug Enforcement Agreement: This specific agreement focuses on the use of confidential informants in drug-related investigations. It may include provisions for controlled drug buys, surveillance, and the informant's role in gathering evidence against drug trafficking organizations. 3. Organized Crime Agreement: This agreement pertains to investigations involving organized criminal groups. It highlights the informant's involvement in infiltrating criminal networks, gathering intelligence, and providing crucial information to dismantle these organizations. 4. Terrorism-related Agreement: Developed to address national security concerns, this agreement involves utilizing confidential informants to gather intelligence on potential terrorist activities. It outlines procedures for reporting suspicious behavior, coordination with national security agencies, and protecting the informant's identity. Washington Agreement of Understanding with Confidential Informant plays a vital role in enabling law enforcement agencies to gather essential information and evidence from informants while providing necessary protection and support. These agreements ensure that all parties involved are aware of their roles and responsibilities, thus facilitating efficient cooperation in various criminal investigations.
