ABSTRACT
Grass, snitch, nark, squealer, squawker, rat, stool pigeon…There are many names used to describe those who offer information to police. In official and sociological parlance there are at least as many definitions and some confusion over terms. ‘Informant’ is taken by some to refer to those who aid investigations as victims or witnesses whilst the term ‘informer’ pertains to those who are involved in criminal activities themselves. In the UK the Association of Chief Police Officers adopted the following definition of an informer as an individual:
normally of criminal history, habits or associates, who gives information about crime or persons associated with criminal activity, such information being freely given, whether or not for financial reward or other advantage. That individual having the expectation that his/her identity will be protected.
(Billingsley, 2001: xiv)