How to Become an FBI Informant

Informants can help advance an investigation.

A confidential informant is someone who is a witness to a crime or has information about an illegal activity. Usually these illegal activities are related to narcotics, terrorism or insider trading. If you have information about a crime, you may be tempted to come forward in hopes of rectifying the situation while lessening the chances of being prosecuted. Confidential informants work closely with government organizations, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to help further investigations. In return, the informant may receive payment or legal help. While there is a standard way of becoming an FBI Informant, there are measures you can take to increase your chances of becoming an informant.

Instructions

1. Have knowledge of or direct involvement in a potential crime. In order to become an informant, you will need to help law enforcement agents infiltrate barriers so that they can crack new information about a potential crime.

2. Visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation's official website. Under the "Contact Us" and "Scams & Safety" tab, you can submit tips for terrorism and also report Internet crimes. If your tip is good enough, an FBI agent may contact you directly.

3. Reach out directly to the FBI yourself. The FBI has 56 offices throughout the United States. Locate your local FBI office and try to set up a meeting. If you have specific requirements you want to see fulfilled in exchange for your information, you will need to negotiate this issue.

4. Be approached by law enforcement. If you have already been linked to a crime, an FBI agent or police officer may contact you about becoming an informant. If you have a lawyer, he may be able to negotiate terms for leniency in exchange for your help.

5. Complete paperwork that documents your capability of being an informant. The FBI agent must then seek approval of your qualifications from a supervisor. If your qualifications are approved, you will be placed on government payroll and will face yearly reviews.

Tips & Warnings

• Being an informant can be a risky job, as you will be forced to deal directly with dangerous people.

References

• FBI: Contact Us
• Confidential Informant: What is a Confidential Informant, Confidential Witness or a Whistleblower
• Gerald Stahl Trial Lawyer: Confidential Informants
• Slate: How Do You Handle an FBI Informant

Resources

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Local FBI Offices
• Department of Justice Guidelines Regarding the Use of Confidential Informants