One of the most important methods of information gathering to the professional investigator or intelligence specialist is the use of human beings as information or intelligence sources; known as Informants or simply ‘Sources’.

In private investigations and intelligence gathering the use of informants can be essential to the success of any investigation or intelligence gathering requirement.  An informant’s desire to be of assistance during an investigation can depend heavily on what motivates them. Some common motivators can be, moral or ethical reasons, monetary gain, revenge or simply to seek the approval of the investigator.

• When working with ‘Sources’ it is a good idea for the competent investigator to follow a few general rules.
• Understand the ‘Source’s’ motivation for providing information.
• Never refer to ‘sources’ in derogatory terms i.e. grass, snout etc (sources can be the lifeblood of an investigation and therefore deserve an appropriate measure of respect).
• Informants should be referred to as ‘Sources’ or ‘Assets’ (depending on the role they undertake}

Difference between a ‘Source’ and an ‘Asset’

Sources

Any person that an investigator speaks to who supplies information could be deemed an ‘Information Source’.

Assets

Any human information source that is specifically tasked to obtain specific information or intelligence to assist in an on-going operation is known as an ‘Intelligence Asset’.

Can ‘Sources’ be trusted?

People are naturally nervous of using paid informants and rightly so, as discussed, every ‘source’ has his or her own motivation for providing information and that motivation must always be considered by the competent investigator or intelligence specialist before any weight is given to the information provided. Moreover, any information obtained from any source be it human or otherwise should always be thoroughly analysed and then corroborated by other means to ensure reliability and consistency before any reliance being placed upon it.

Related posts:

1. Corporate Intelligence – the Intelligence Cycle
2. Private Investigators – What Does it Take to be a Good PI?