The use of informers as a technique during corporate investigations

Abstract

The researcher discovered that most investigators at Anglo Platinum Mining and Process sites do not have real informers who can assist them during their investigation of crime. They are making use of so-called ‘field workers’ to supply them with information - a system that is not very effective. That might be one of the reasons why these investigators, in the experience of the researcher, do not know of the crimes that will take place in a few minutes’ or hours’ time at their sites. It is furthermore the researcher’s experience that the field workers are more reactive than proactive, and will only know about a certain crime within the company after it has already taken place. There are no guidelines or training material available regarding informers in the company. The researcher then conducted interviews with retired and experienced former South African Police Service (SAPS) officials who had recruited and managed informers during their employment in their respective working environments, as well as with investigators from other organisations. The two investigators from other organisations were interviewed because they conduct forensic investigations and were willing to take part in the study. Six of the interviewed persons have a vast experience regarding the use of informers. The researcher made use of the empirical research design, whereby investigators from the above-named organisations were interviewed to obtain their views on the topic. The researcher also conducted a thorough literature study to obtain relevant data for the research. The purpose of this research was to develop proper procedures for corporate investigators that will enable them to effectively make use of informers as a technique to obtain information for their investigations. The research also revealed the relationship between the utilization of informers, crime intelligence and forensic investigation.