One of the most difficult tasks in law enforcement is figuring out a comprehensive approach to what I call “informant lifecycle management.” You hear such terms as “performance lifecycle management” and “product lifecycle management” in the information technology arena, but I think this approach can be used in law enforcement, too – especially since technology can play an important part in the success of confidential informant management.

Over recent years sharing of intelligence by police forces and the security services has become increasingly important and in the wake of a range of Government initiatives there is no doubt that that the intelligence picture across the UK has improved.