Based on the reliance on conspiracy statutes to connect leaders of organized crime with activities carried out
by their subordinates, the use of confidential informants is often critical to the investigation and prosecution of
organized criminal activities; however, the relationship between informants and law enforcement can become
quite complicated. Whitey Bulger, the leader of the Winter Hill Gang, was actually a confidential informant for
the FBI. FBI agent John Connolly was convicted of second-degree murder and racketeering due to his
relationship with Bulger.
Using the Bulger case as an example, discuss, as a team, the pros and cons of the use of confidential
informants in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime.
Address the following in your discussion:
The motivations of the informant
The need to protect the informant
The need to control the informant
Any other benefits or problems connected with the use of confidential informants
Compile the team discussion into a table that identifies the pros and cons of the use of confidential informants
Sample Solution
