Confidential Informant Audits

There are times when any agency wants someone independent to look at either a particular informant management case, or their entire system for managing confidential informants (Human Sources, Covert Human Intelligence Sources, HUMINT ).

At HSM Training and Consultancy we have a extensive experience in how to manage confidential informants effectively and safely across many jurisdictions. We have researched and written about why things go wrong. Having worked across many different jurisdictions and with different agencies we can help your agency ensure that it is on track or spot where it might be going of the rails.

To provide some insight as to how we go about our audits these are a few key points.

Audit methodology:

  1. All audits are carried out in complete confidentiality. We have worked for many years in the most sensitive of covert activities. We understand the sensitivities.

  2. We begin by a sit down with the Chief (or other commissioning party) and establishing the specifics and extent of the audit they want carried out and establishing a clear mandate. Any audit is bespoke for that agency and the environment in which they operate.

  3. We will examine all policy, procedures, and any relevant legislation pertaining to the management of informants.

  4. We will discuss the existing processes for the management of informants and how leadership believe it should be functioning.

  5. We will examine a number of informant case files. These files can be selected on a random basis from across the agency. We do not need to know the true identity of any source. ( Hopefully these are already anonymised in the case files. However, if they are not no record would be created.) We will need explore the file from beginning to end. Experience shows that if files are sanitised before audit then many of the problems can be hidden.

  6. We carry out interviews with identified stakeholders individually and in a group setting. This will include handlers, supervisors and end users. The purpose of these interviews is to establish their thoughts on what is functioning properly or how the system can be improved.

  7. We will need to explore how intelligence is managed in the agency as all product from informants should be directly linked to the intelligence function.

  8. We will examine how information obtained from members of the public is managed. This is often an area where informants are managed off the books and where corruption often originates.

  9. Dependent on the extent of the audit, it may be necessary to examine other related areas such as undercover operations.

  10. Some of the previous steps may have to be revested as findings are developed.

What we need:

  1. A audit engagement letter stating purpose and objectives, the scope, the responsibilities of agency and auditor, the limitations and the timeline.

  2. A central point of contact to facilitate access across the agency.

  3. Key stakeholders to be available during the audit.

  4. A standard audit will normally take five days with your agency. The report will follow within a further 5 working days.

What we will provide:

Your agency will get an wholly independent evidence based report based upon what is found. This report will be confidential between the commissioning party and HSM Training and Consultancy. Where a document is to be publicly released a sanitised version can be prepared to protect sources and methods.

Why HSM:

We have researched and written extensively on the subject of managing confidential informants. We have been involved with many different agencies in many countries over many years. We have been directly involved in managing informants at the highest levels. We are the experts. You are not paying for someone who happened to visit the topic at sometime in their career.

Where expert evidence is needed, this can be provided.

We can also provide audits of investigations and any intelligence process.

Cost:

While the cost will ultimately be dictated by the extent of the audit, and the size of the agency, a standard audit will cost USD 16000. This includes the preparation of the report and all travel and expenses.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call us on +44 7739 370 969 or email info@hsmtraining.com and ask for John.
In the meantime check out our books on Amazon

Managing Confidential Informants.

Managing Risk in Undercover Operations.

Managing Intelligence - A guide for law enforcement professionals.