Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

Is it necessary to inform the chief of police when meeting with an informant?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only if the informant is a suspect

4. Only if the meeting is formal

The correct answer is: No

The correct answer underscores the principle of discretion in law enforcement operations. While it can be beneficial to keep the chief of police informed about significant communications and activities involving informants, it is not always necessary for every meeting to be disclosed. The nature of the informant's role, the context of the information shared, and ongoing operational tactics often mean that officers have the autonomy to engage with informants without needing to seek prior approval or inform superiors for every interaction. The other options suggest a level of oversight that may not be practical for routine informant meetings. For instance, if it were mandated to inform the chief every time an officer meets with an informant, it could hinder timely investigative activities and the building of trust with sources. Likewise, limiting disclosure only to situations where an informant is a suspect or when meetings are formal does not accurately reflect the varied and dynamic nature of informant interactions in law enforcement.