What is the purpose of cultivating informants in undercover work?

The purpose of cultivating informants in undercover work is primarily to obtain crucial information about a crime. Informants can provide valuable insights that may not be accessible through traditional investigative methods. Their inside knowledge, often due to their connections or involvement in criminal activities, can lead to the identification of suspects, details of criminal operations, or the location of evidence. This firsthand information is essential for building strong cases and can significantly impact the success of investigations.

While gathering data for reports, increasing public awareness of crime, and evaluating officer performance are important aspects of law enforcement, they do not directly relate to the primary goal of informant cultivation in undercover operations. Cultivating informants is a tactical approach focused on obtaining critical intelligence to address specific criminal activities effectively.