At HSM we constantly research stories relating to corruption in the management of confidential informants. The Snitch City Podcast from The Boston Globe highlighted a number of serious issues relating to the management of confidential informants, in New Bedford Police Department. Numerous serious allegations were made. For more reading on this read here.
The city’s Mayor commissioned a report into the police department which can be found here. The report covers a number of issues but here we will focus on what is written about the management of informants, We include it below for ease. Under the heading of Drug Enforcement the following is given:
Given the serious allegations made in relation to informant management, this can hardly be regarded as a comprehensive response. At best it has been written as reassurance to management. The phrase “Under the rug swept clean” comes to mind. But perhaps it was written by someone without expertise in the management of informants to clearly identify deeper issues. Regardless, it will not address the problems that beset New Bedford Police nor will it identify what other problems may exist such as questionable convictions and/or wider spread corruption.
An extensive audit of historic informant management files is needed. This must be done by someone with expertise in carrying out such audits. Only when this has been done should consideration be given as to if and how officers in New Bedford be allowed to manage informants. There is no reason not to do it unless some fears what will be revealed. Hopefully the new Chief will see the benefit.
If you are concerned about how informants are managed in your department please get in touch We can advice how such a review can be carried out and suggest solutions to problems that may be identified. No police chief or sheriff wants their department to come under the type of attention that New Bedford has be subjected to. However, informant management is a high risk business and practices that have evolved over the years within some departments fail to meet current expectations of behaviour.
We can help please get in touch. info@hsmtraining.com We have spent years researching and developing methods to manage confidential informants more effectively and more safely. We do so to share with law enforcement what we learn.