The Crime Fighters' Friend

Some forms of intrusive investigation, such as covert surveillance, have changed and developed over the years and become more sophisticated as a result of technical development. The use of human beings to provide information, on the other hand, goes back hundreds of years with informants playing a major role in or contributing to significant changes in history. Their use and value has also been recognized in various court judgements, together with the need to protect their identity. Up until now, the use of such sources has never been the subject of statutory control in this country. Their continued use is, however, essential to the maintenance of law and order and for the protection of the public.