(Mafia) was supplied by source Joseph Valachi.
Nearly all major narcotic
offender apprehensions are based on source information and undercover
activities. That source development in both military and civilian spheres is
important cannot be stressed too much.
b. Usually a source is thought of as someone other than a victim, witness,
or complainant.
Sources are usually compensated for their information.
Compensation is made according to their motives for providing information. A
confidential source provides information only if his identity is not revealed.
A placed source is one placed in a certain position or activity in order to
provide information. Placing a source is usually done after trying every other
method.
7. Motives. Sources are motivated to help you for a wide range of reasons.
Some are personal friendship, fear, or revenge.
Others are jealousy, money,
scorn, patriotism, or religious beliefs.
Ego, satisfaction, or desire to
ingratiate one's self with law enforcement officials may be the motive.
Whatever the motivation, there usually has to be a great deal of it. Otherwise
a person is unwilling to provide information. There are several reasons for
this. A person may be afraid of involvement with law enforcement agencies. He
may dislike or disagree with their policies. The person may be a criminal or
living on the edge of the underworld. Regardless of his status, however, each
human being has basic motives. Each has basic emotions and beliefs. All of
these guide his life.
A reaction against these basic considerations will
compel the person to provide information. For example, the following are some
of the considerations which might motivate persons to provide information.
a. Fear. Self-preservation is the first law of nature. Any prospective
source who is afraid of something may have a favorable outlook toward providing
information. Fear could be for any one or a number of reasons. It may be fear
of arrest or indictment by the police.
It could be fear of revenge by
associates or fear of being "pushed out." It could also be fear of blackmail
or extortion.
Whatever the fear, the source usually feels that he can get
something from the police.
It might be the recommendation for a lesser
sentence. The source may expect the acceptance of a plea of guilty to a lesser
charge. The source might want police protection.
b. Revenge.
The seeking of revenge may compel persons to provide
information. They may do so despite the consequences. The need for vengeance
may arise from a desire to destroy. Such desire may be due to some apparent
act of wrongdoing or misconduct. Need for vengeance may stem from a feeling of
being discriminated against. Or, it could stem from not having one's talents
used in the proper manner.
Desire for revenge may arise from jealousies or
quarrels over women or objects.
c. Egotistical Motives.
It is human nature to want to feel important.
Here the ego of the source is enhanced by the providing of important
information about criminal activities.
The egotistical motive is often
overlooked by investigators. Therefore, everyone coming to the MPI to offer
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