A confidential informants work for the government, often secretly, to gather and provide information or to testify, sometimes in exchange for cash or leniency in punishment for their own crimes. Courts have clearly recognized that confidential police informers play a vital role in law enforcement. The near absolute privilege attached to the identity of these individuals is premised upon the duty of all citizens to aid in enforcing the law and is meant to protect these individuals against retribution from those involved in crime.
This form is a generic example that may be referred to when preparing such a form for your particular state. It is for illustrative purposes only. Local laws should be consulted to determine any specific requirements for such a form in a particular jurisdiction.
Title: Understanding the Washington Agreement between Informants and Law Enforcement Agencies Introduction: The Washington Agreement between informants and police departments or other law enforcement agencies is a pivotal tool in the field of criminal justice. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions under which informants provide essential information or assist law enforcement agencies in ongoing investigations. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of the Washington Agreement, discuss its significance, and explore some of its types. 1. Key Elements of the Washington Agreement: The Washington Agreement focuses on establishing a formal relationship between informants and law enforcement agencies. It outlines the following crucial elements: a. Confidentiality: The agreement ensures that informants' identities and cooperation remain strictly confidential, safeguarding them from potential harm or retaliation. b. Nature of Assistance: It defines the types of assistance informants will provide, such as information sharing, undercover work, or facilitating arrests. c. Rewards: The agreement may include provisions for rewards or incentives to motivate informants to cooperate fully. d. Duration: It specifies the duration of the agreement, typically indicating a start and end date. e. Legal Protection: Informants are granted legal protections for their involvement in criminal activities, ensuring they are shielded from prosecution or penalties. 2. Types of Washington Agreements: While the specific terms of the Washington Agreement may vary, the overarching goal remains the same — enhancing cooperation between informants and law enforcement agencies. Here are some notable types of Washington Agreements: a. Standard Confidential Informant Agreement: This is the most common form of the Washington Agreement. It establishes the relationship between a confidential informant and the police department or law enforcement agency. It ensures strict confidentiality and provides guidelines for the exchange of information. b. Cooperation Agreement: A Cooperation Agreement is initiated when an informant agrees to actively cooperate with law enforcement agencies during an investigation. These agreements involve a higher level of involvement by the informant, requiring them to participate in activities such as controlled drug buys, wiretap operations, or acting as an undercover agent. c. Plea Agreement with Informant Cooperation: In a plea agreement with informant cooperation, the informant agrees to cooperate with law enforcement in exchange for favorable treatment in their own criminal case. This includes the potential for reduced charges, lighter sentences, or immunity from prosecution. d. Witness Protection Agreement: In cases where an informant's life may be at risk due to their cooperation, this type of agreement focuses on providing witness protection. It ensures the informant's safety, relocation, and the provision of new identities, if necessary. Conclusion: The Washington Agreement between informants and law enforcement agencies plays a vital role in maintaining public safety and actively prosecuting criminal activities. By offering legal protections, ensuring confidentiality, and establishing clear terms of cooperation, these agreements facilitate effective collaborations to combat crime. Whether it is a Standard Confidential Informant Agreement, Cooperation Agreement, Plea Agreement with Informant Cooperation, or Witness Protection Agreement, each type serves a unique purpose within the broader framework of the Washington Agreement.
