confidential informant

American  

[kon-fi-den-shuhl in-fawr-muhnt] / ˌkɒn fɪˈdɛn ʃəl ɪnˈfɔr mənt /

noun

1. a person who works undercover for law enforcement to gather information about felonious criminal activities: some confidential informants are criminals themselves, hired to work undercover in exchange for leniency or exoneration: CI

   We’re told that this elusive drug lord was finally taken down thanks largely to a confidential informant, whose identity remains fiercely protected.

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Etymology

Origin of confidential informant

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Unlike a gang case, where the defendants figuring out the name of the confidential informant before trial would be significant, in this case, witnesses have already publicly agreed to testify in exchange for lenient treatment.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2023

The FD-1023 form details the information provided by a confidential informant.

From Washington Times • Jun. 8, 2023

Mary Murray discovered a transcript of an interview between Long Beach police investigators and a confidential informant named Glenn Gosnell that was conducted months after the shooting, court records show.

From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2023

He also said he had gone to the FBI while still working for Santos, with the intention of possibly working as a confidential informant for law enforcement.

From Seattle Times • May 31, 2023

"Just who is this confidential informant, anyway, Ole?"

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