The FBI will not pay its informants! America cannot function and survive without its informant!? America a a snitching society!

Recent news reports from October 2025 indicated that the FBI could not pay its informants because of a government shutdown

. This was a temporary effect of the congressional budget standoff, not a permanent change in policy. The FBI has a formal process for compensating its informants, and their use is considered an essential, though controversial, component of law enforcement in the U.S.. 

The FBI does pay its informants

The claim that the FBI does not pay its informants is inaccurate. Informants—or confidential human sources—are not employees of the FBI, but they can be compensated for information and expenses. 

• Payment guidelines: Payments are made according to a strict, tiered structure. The amount is based on the value of the information provided and factors like the significance of the case.
• Authorization levels: A special agent-in-charge can authorize payments of up to $100,000 per informant per fiscal year. Higher amounts require approval from successively higher levels of the FBI.
• Expense reimbursement: Informants may also receive reimbursement for expenses such as travel, housing, and other costs associated with their assistance.
• Asset forfeiture: In some cases, an informant can receive a share of the value of property forfeited as a result of their information, up to 25% of the net value. 

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The importance and controversy of using informants

The U.S. law enforcement system relies heavily on informants, a practice the courts have upheld as lawful and often essential for investigations. 

The importance of informants

• Access to criminal networks: Informants, who are often embedded in criminal communities, provide crucial “insider” knowledge that is otherwise difficult for agents to obtain.
• Effectiveness in complex cases: Informants are especially valuable in complex criminal cases, such as those involving drug trafficking, organized crime, and counterterrorism.
• Officer safety: Using informants can reduce the need for agents to put themselves in dangerous undercover situations. 

Controversy over informants

• Reliability: An informant’s motives can be complicated, ranging from financial gain to revenge or a desire for leniency in their own cases. This can compromise their reliability and introduce bias.
• Ethical and legal issues: The use of informants can involve deception and raises ethical and legal questions, especially concerning the reliability of the information they provide.
• Historical abuse: The FBI has a history of misusing informants, most notably during its COINTELPRO operations from 1956 to 1971, which targeted domestic political groups. These actions were later condemned by Congress for violating constitutional rights.
• Risks to informants: Informants face significant risks of retaliation from criminal associates and are often afforded minimal protection by law enforcement, particularly after they are no longer useful. 

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The concept of a “snitching society”

The idea that the U.S. is a “snitching society” is a broad characterization that speaks to the common use of informants, as well as the historical and cultural context surrounding them.

• Prevalence in law enforcement: The use of informants is a widespread practice across various law enforcement agencies, not just the FBI.
• Varying motivations: The term “snitch” or “informant” can apply to a wide range of people, from criminals seeking a plea deal to concerned citizens who provide tips with no expectation of reward.
• Cultural dimension: While some may view the reliance on informants negatively as a form of social corrosion, law enforcement sees it as a necessary tool for solving crimes that affect communities. The practice highlights the difficult balance between public safety and the ethical dilemmas inherent in relying on compromised or vulnerable individuals for information. 

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