Police Entrance Practice Exam

In policing, who is considered an informant?

1. A person who receives monetary benefits for information

2. A person who provides privileged information about criminal activities

3. Anyone reporting a crime to the police

4. A police officer undercover in a criminal organization

The correct answer is: A person who provides privileged information about criminal activities

An informant is best defined as someone who provides privileged or secret information about criminal activities. This role is crucial in policing, as informants often have access to information that is not available through standard investigative methods. They may have personal knowledge of criminal operations, connections within criminal organizations, or insights that help law enforcement understand ongoing crimes or plan interventions. While the option about monetary benefits could apply to some informants, it does not capture the essence of what defines an informant, which is their role in sharing critical information regarding criminal activities. Similarly, simply reporting a crime does not make someone an informant; that action is typically seen as a witness or citizen reporting rather than an informant who provides ongoing or insider information. Furthermore, an undercover police officer, while they may operate similarly to an informant, does not fit the traditional definition since their primary role is to gather evidence while posing as a criminal, as opposed to providing information from inside an organization. Thus, the correct understanding of an informant aligns with their function in providing crucial insider information, making the second option the most accurate.