Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What is considered the most dangerous motivation of an informant?

1. Revenge

2. Money

3. Fear of prosecution

4. Desire for recognition

The correct answer is: Revenge

Revenge is regarded as the most dangerous motivation of an informant because it can lead to unpredictable and violent outcomes. When an informant is driven by revenge, their actions are often fueled by personal grievances or a desire to settle scores. This motivation can overshadow rational judgment, making the informant act out of spite rather than cooperating for lawful reasons. Such a mindset may lead to providing misleading information, setting up innocent people, or escalating violence, posing a greater risk to the integrity of investigations and the safety of involved parties. In contrast, motivations like money, fear of prosecution, or desire for recognition, while potentially problematic, often have more controllable dynamics. For instance, financial incentives may lead to information that is sought from a transactional perspective, and fear of prosecution may primarily aim to reduce personal risk. Desire for recognition could influence an informant's credibility or reliability but is typically less volatile compared to a vengeful motive. Thus, it is the unpredictable nature of revenge-driven motivations that makes them especially dangerous in law enforcement contexts.