Informants are an invaluable, often instrumental aspect of criminal investigations, but they do present certain management issues. In the necessarily clandestine world they inhabit, the imposition of institutional control presents unique challenges. Lack of training and communication among law enforcement professionals tend to ensure the same error

This book covers every aspect of the informant and cooperating witness dynamic a controversial technique shrouded in secrecy and widely misunderstood. Quoted routinely in countless newspaper and magazine articles, the first edition was the go-to guide for practical, effective guidance on this tricky yet powerful tactic. Extensively updated, topics in this second edition include changes in the FBI's informant program, changes brought on by immigration reforms, recent high-profile cases, and the changing nature of compensation and cooperation fees. It also examines the management of informant-driven search warrants and challenges posed by fabricated information.

Undercover operations are valuable ways for law enforcement agencies to gain information and investigate crimes from inside the worlds criminals inhabit. These operations can be dangerous, and readers learn about the risks inherent in this line of work as they explore the fascinating history of undercover operations. Enlightening sidebars, informative fact boxes, and detailed photographs provide readers with additional information, including tips for preparing for a career that could involve undercover work. Readers are also introduced to fascinating facts about the technology used in undercover operations and how that technology has changed over time.