What is an 'informant'?

An informant is someone who provides valuable information regarding criminal activities to law enforcement authorities. This individual often has insider knowledge that can help officers investigate crimes, apprehend suspects, or gather evidence. Informants can be motivated by various factors, including financial compensation, protection from prosecution, or personal grievances against the criminal involved.

The role of an informant is crucial in many investigations, as they may offer insights or details that are not readily available through traditional investigative means. Understanding this definition is essential for recognizing the complexities involved in law enforcement and the reliance on different types of information sources to build cases and ensure public safety.

While witnesses in court cases may provide evidence about what they have seen or heard, their role is limited to the judicial process rather than ongoing investigations. Forensic experts focus on analyzing physical evidence, and security guards typically maintain safety and order at crime scenes without being directly involved in intelligence gathering related to criminal activities.