Policy Text
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ZEPHYRHILLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE
Standard Operating Procedure: 09.06
Subject: Confidential Informants
Effective Date: July 3 , 2023
Scope: Sworn
Rescinds: 450.00
Revised: June 19 , 2023
Reviewed: June 19 , 2023
Pages: 6
CONTENTS: This procedure consists of the following numbered sections:
I. Definitions
II. Informant Recruitment
III. Informant File Maintenance
IV. Compensation
V. Informant Control/Precautions
PURPOSE: The purpose of t his directive is to establish procedures for the recruitment, control,
and use of confidential informants in accordance with Florida State Statute 914.28 .
POLICY : It is the policy of the Zephyrhills Police Department that the development of
confidential sources of inf ormation is encouraged as a sound and productive practice. The
gathering of information is an essential aspect of the investigative function. Along with the us e
of Confidential Informants (CI ) is the inherent danger of civil liability, poor control, and
complaints by the CI regarding the control a gent.
I. DEFINITIONS:
A. Confidential Informant (CI): A person acting as a source of investigative or
intelligence information and assistance to such a degree, or on such a regular basis, that is
necessary to record the person’s identifying data and assign a confidential number for
future reference.
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B. Confidential Source : A person known to a member who g ives information but does not
wish to be identified or take an active part in an investigation.
C. Investigative Assistan t: A juvenile volunteer utilized to assist in certain types of
investigations such as alcohol buy operations.
II. INFORMANT RECRUITMENT :
A. Member Training: All personnel involved in the recruitment or use of confidential
informants will receive training on this Policy and F.S. 914.28 prior to recruiting and/or
using confidential informants. The completion of training will be documented in writing
and main tained by the executive a ssistant to the Chief of Police.
B. Informant Candidate Debriefing: Two members will be present during the debriefing of
an inf ormant candidate. The member conducting the debriefing will obtain the
following:
1. The informant’s relationship to the suspect.
2. The length of th e relationship with the suspect.
3. Illegal activity that the informant has participated in with the suspect in the past.
4. Suspec t’s supplier(s) and customer(s).
5. Types and quantities of narcotics sold or used by th e suspect.
6. Location of illegal activity.
7. The informant’s motivatio n for becomin g an informant.
8. Information the informant knows of concerning any other criminal activity.
C. Informant Candidate Assessment: Potential informants may be identified in the course of
normal duties by detectives and officers, who must carefully evaluate the mo tive,
personal status, and potential value of the information provided. Law enforcement p atrol
officers who identify potenti al informants will contact the c riminal investigative d ivision
sergeant to determine if the subject is qualified to act as a confid ential informant. When
applicable, the member will complete the required documentation and facilitate
compensation. Th e recruiting member will assess the following information concerning
the prospective informant:
1. The person’s age and maturity.
2. The risk the person poses to adversely affect a present or potenti al investigation or
prosecution.
3. The effect upon agency efforts that the disclosure of the person’s cooper ation in the
community may have.
4. Whether the person is a substance abuser or has a histo ry of substance abuse, or is in
a court -supervised drug treatment program.
5. The risk of physical harm to the person, their immediate family, or close associates as
a result of providing assistance, or upon the disclosure of the perso n’s assistance to
the co mmunity.
6. Whether the person has shown any indication of emotional instability, unreliability,
or of furnishing false information.
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7. The person’s criminal history or prior criminal record.
8. Whether the use of the person is important to or vital to the success of an
investigation.
D. Background Check: The recruiting member will complete a background check on the
informant, including all of the following:
1. Criminal history.
2. Driver’s license status check.
3. Probation status (informants of felony probation will not be used unless approved by
the CID s ergeant, the probation officer, and a judge modifying the probation order
allowing the per son to assist law enforcement).
4. Three photographs.
E. Documentation:
1. Members recruiting an informant will ensure that a Confidentia l Informant File
Packet, containing the following forms , is completed prior to using the CI as an
informant:
a. Supervisor Checklist.
b. Source Profile Sheet.
c. Source H istory Sheet: Warrants, criminal history , and driver’s license checks will
be made through FCIC , NCIC , and DHSMV. Biographical information,
background information, copies of teletypes , and related documents will be
maintained in the CI’s file.
d. Conduct of Confidential I nformant Form: Shall be signed by the C I and detective
upon completion.
e. Consent for Oral Interce pt and Search Sheet: Shall be signed by