Confidential Source

Confidential Source Management

• Actions leading to a Confidential Source being declared undesirable include failure to abide by regulations, dishonesty, or engaging in criminal activity.
• The Unit Liaison acts as a bridge between UPB officers and other units, ensuring streamlined communication and operational support.
• Responsibility for transferring an undesirable Confidential Source’s profile sheet and vouchers lies with the Control Officer.
• To establish reliability, an Unproven Confidential Source must provide consistent, actionable information demonstrating usefulness.
• Approval for requests to reduce or drop charges in exchange for cooperation from a Confidential Source must come from a rank of Captain or higher.
• Control Officers must inform Confidential Sources about the implications of their involvement, including legal risks.
• Officers are advised to refrain from commenting on pending criminal charges of Confidential Sources, maintaining neutrality.
• Key steps for a Control Officer to develop a Confidential Source include thorough vetting, establishing rapport, and consistent communication.
• The OPD Form 65 packet, submitted by the Control Officer, requires review and approval from a supervising officer of rank Lieutenant or above.
• Sergeants are responsible for ensuring the reliability and productivity of Confidential Sources utilized by their squad.
• If a potential Confidential Source has previously worked for OPD, they must undergo a review process before being considered again.
• Files on Unproven, Undesirable, and Reliable Sources are maintained in the Confidential Source Database.
• The primary purpose of OPD Form 65 is to document the relationship and activities between the Control Officer and Confidential Source.
• Use of juvenile Confidential Sources is discouraged due to their vulnerability and potential legal ramifications.
• Approval for using juvenile informants must be obtained from a supervising officer.
• The repository for all completed OPD Form 65s is a designated department within OPD for accountability.
• All Confidential Sources supervised by a retiring Control Officer must be transferred to a new Control Officer.
• Placing juvenile Confidential Sources in dangerous situations is prohibited to ensure their safety and well-being.
• A Narcotics Unit command officer plays a central role in overseeing the use and management of Confidential Sources related to narcotics investigations.
• Relevant OPD Orders guide the procedures outlined in the Confidential Source Policy.
• The Confidential Source Policy aims to establish clear guidelines for the ethical and effective use of Confidential Sources in investigations.
• The Confidential Source Database functions to track and assess the performance of Confidential Sources.
• The Control Officer's role includes oversight of Confidential Sources’ actions and ensuring proper documentation.
• Deconfliction serves to prevent overlap or conflicting operations among various law enforcement entities involving Confidential Sources.
• A Reliable Confidential Source is distinguished from an Undesirable Source by consistency, integrity, and utility in providing information.
• The statement "CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: THIS POLICY IS CONFIDENTIAL IN ITS ENTIRETY" emphasizes the sensitivity of the policy details.
• To be considered for approval as a Control Officer, the minimum requirement is a minimum rank of Officer along with relevant experience.
• The Unit Liaison supports UPB officers by facilitating necessary resources and intelligence for investigations.
• Responsibilities of a Unit Liaison include monitoring investigations and ensuring compliance with policies regarding Confidential Sources.
• A Unit Liaison may assist UPB officers with investigations by providing administrative support and strategic insights.
• Support from Special Operations/Vice Squad may be required in complex undercover operations or investigations requiring specialized expertise.
• The Unit Liaison also plays a crucial role in ensuring deconfliction among different operational units in ongoing investigations.
• During investigations, a Unit Liaison may research background information, prior interactions, and other relevant data to assist UPB officers.
• A Unit Liaison ensures that all documentation and tasks related to Confidential Sources are thoroughly completed.
• An undesirable Confidential Source may lead to the termination of their information gathering relationship and relocation to a separate file.
• Correct and complete documentation of all buys involving Confidential Sources is mandatory for accountability and operational integrity.
• Not requiring a formal approval process for minor information tips is considered an action not necessary for reliability.
• Officers should not allow a Confidential Source under the influence of drugs or alcohol to participate in controlled purchases for safety reasons.
• A professional relationship between officers and Confidential Sources should maintain clear boundaries, avoiding any personal involvement.
• Each time a Confidential Source provides information, whether compensated or not, the OPD Form 65 must be completed.
• At least two officers are required to meet with a Confidential Source for safety and compliance with procedural standards.
• Officers should conduct a debriefing post-usage of a Confidential Source to evaluate outcomes and strategize future actions.
• Searching a Confidential Source should occur immediately after making a controlled purchase to ensure no contraband is retained.
• Officers must document and responsibly handle all contraband and evidence received from a Confidential Source.
• For a Uniform Patrol Bureau officer to be approved as a Control Officer, they must meet specific training and experience criteria.
• If a Confidential Source’s confidentiality is compromised, officers are responsible for taking appropriate measures for their protection and security.

Test your knowledge on the guidelines and policies related to the use of confidential sources in criminal investigations by the Omaha Police Department (OPD). Learn about the importance of confidential sources and their role in resolving investigations effectively.