Assignment Content

1. Based on the reliance on conspiracy statutes to connect leaders of organized crime with activities carried out by their subordinates, the use of confidential informants is often critical to the investigation and prosecution of organized criminal activities; however, the relationship between informants and law enforcement can become quite complicated. Whitey Bulger, the leader of the Winter Hill Gang, was actually a confidential informant for the FBI. FBI agent John Connolly was convicted of second-degree murder and racketeering due to his relationship with Bulger.
   Using the Bulger case as an example, discuss, as a team, the pros and cons of the use of confidential informants in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime.
   Address the following in your discussion:

   • The motivations of the informant

   Answer preview

   Confidential informants are mainly used in organized crimes to inform the police about a gang or a crime. An informant can either be a member of the public, a police officer, a member of an organized group, or even a victim of crime. The fear of going to prison is what motivates most informants to give information to the police. Some are motivated by money and revenge on others (Greer & South, 2019). Most informants are criminals who cooperate with the authority to give information in exchange for reduced sentencing or immunity. However, they are always kept anonymous for their safety.

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