Use of Minors as Police Informants in Drug Cases
In some drug cases, it becomes necessary for law enforcement to employ minors as police informants. Using under-aged informants requires police to act with caution to ensure they have followed proper procedures for approval.
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Definition
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A minor or juvenile informant is one who is under the age of 18 and provides police with information on criminal activity. These minors normally associate with criminals, such as drug dealers and suppliers. The minor may be paid to act as an informant or may do so in exchange for reduced charges of their own criminal activity.
Role of Informant
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In drug cases, the minor may make a "controlled buy" under police supervision. This enables the police to catch suppliers in the act of dealing drugs. Informants also provide inside information on criminal activity police would not otherwise be privy to.
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Consent
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For police to use a minor as an informant in drug cases, they must obtain consent from his parent or guardian and approval from their police supervisor. Even though a minor may wish to act as an informant, they cannot do so without their parent or guardian's permission.
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