As 2025 comes to a close, I had the privilege of teaching the Developing and Managing Informants class at the Arlington Heights Police Department. Standing in front of a room filled with patrol officers, detectives, and tactical team members from twenty Chicagoland suburban police departments reminded me why this topic has been such a cornerstone of my career for decades.
Informants are one of the most powerful tools in law enforcement. They can open doors that would otherwise remain locked, helping us solve murders, gang shootings, burglaries, organized retail theft, and even something as seemingly minor as neighborhood graffiti. These individuals often provide information that would take weeks, if not months, to uncover through interviews, analytics, and phone records. When used correctly, informants can change the trajectory of an investigation overnight.
With that power comes enormous responsibility and risk. Over the years, I have seen careers end because officers placed blind trust in informants or cut corners in the process. Informants are not just a resource; they are a liability if mismanaged. That is why I emphasize three critical steps in every class: identify, develop, and manage. It is not enough to find someone willing to share information. You need to understand their motivations, set boundaries, and maintain control. Without proper management, the very tool that helps you solve cases can become the reason you lose your badge.
One of the most impactful parts of our training is the use of real video interviews with actual informants. These videos show me sitting down with individuals who have firsthand knowledge of drug use, trafficking methods, and the reasons they choose to cooperate with law enforcement. We blur their faces to protect their identity and respect their cooperation, but their words are powerful. Who can tell you better about the cost of drugs, street terms, tactics dealers use to hide, locations being used, and how they try to beat law enforcement efforts than the people who live in that world? In addition to these interviews, we play real wiretap phone calls between informants and undercover officers negotiating with drug dealers on prices, amounts, and meeting locations. Hearing these conversations gives officers an authentic perspective on how deals happen and the language used on the street. These experiences provide insights that textbooks and lectures simply cannot match.
This week’s class was a great example of why training matters. The officers came ready to learn, asked tough questions, and understood the gravity of what we were discussing. These conversations are not just theoretical. They are about real-world decisions that impact investigations, careers, and communities.
I also want to take a moment to thank NEMRT ( North East Multi-Regional Training) for hosting this class for 20 years. Their commitment to supporting law enforcement training has made a lasting impact, and I am proud to be part of that legacy. Looking ahead, Garry and I are excited about expanding our law enforcement training division in 2026. We have big plans to bring even more practical, experience-driven courses to agencies that want to elevate their skills and protect their officers from unnecessary risk.
If you are in law enforcement and have not had formal training on informant management, make it a priority. This is not just about solving cases. It is about safeguarding your career and doing the job the right way.
Stay tuned for updates on our upcoming programs. Here is to smarter policing and a safer 2026.
