DEA Confidential Informant Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under DEA policy, how frequently must a handler conduct a face-to-face review meeting with an active Confidential Source (CS)?
- Every 30 days
- Every 60 days
- Every 90 days (Correct answer)
- Every 180 days
Correct answer: Every 90 days
DEA policy requires handlers to conduct a face-to-face review with active Confidential Sources at least every 90 days to assess performance, safety, and ongoing suitability.
Question 2: Which DEA form is used to document the initial establishment and opening of a Confidential Source file?
- DEA-512 (Correct answer)
- DEA-103
- DEA-6
- DEA-202
Correct answer: DEA-512
DEA Form 512 is the Confidential Source Agreement and Establishment form used to officially open a CS file and document the informant's rights and obligations.
Question 3: When a Confidential Source requests to work undercover in a role that places them in direct physical danger, the handler must obtain approval from at minimum which level?
- Group Supervisor
- Special Agent in Charge (SAC) (Correct answer)
- Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC)
- Resident Agent in Charge (RAC)
Correct answer: Special Agent in Charge (SAC)
Operations placing a CS in direct physical danger require SAC-level approval due to the elevated risk and liability involved.
Question 4: A CS provides information about a drug trafficking organization but insists on anonymity from the prosecuting AUSA. What is the handler's correct course of action?
- Honor the CS's request and keep identity from the AUSA indefinitely
- Advise the CS that the AUSA may ultimately need to know the identity if the case proceeds to prosecution (Correct answer)
- Immediately terminate the CS relationship due to lack of cooperation
- Transfer the CS to another group where identity exposure is less likely
Correct answer: Advise the CS that the AUSA may ultimately need to know the identity if the case proceeds to prosecution
Handlers must advise CS assets that while identities are protected when possible, prosecution may ultimately require disclosure, and no absolute guarantee of anonymity can be made.
Question 5: Which of the following would most likely result in the IMMEDIATE deactivation of a Confidential Source?
- CS fails to provide useful information for 60 days
- CS is arrested for a misdemeanor traffic violation
- CS is found to have fabricated information provided to the DEA (Correct answer)
- CS requests a temporary pause in activities due to personal reasons
Correct answer: CS is found to have fabricated information provided to the DEA
Fabricating information is a fundamental breach of trust and integrity that mandates immediate deactivation and may result in criminal charges against the CS.
Question 6: In the context of CS payments, what is the primary purpose of requiring a witness to be present during cash disbursements to a Confidential Source?
- To ensure the CS does not flee after receiving payment
- To provide accountability and prevent allegations of misappropriation of funds (Correct answer)
- To verify the CS's identity at each meeting
- To comply with IRS reporting requirements for cash payments
Correct answer: To provide accountability and prevent allegations of misappropriation of funds
A witness during cash disbursements creates an accountability chain that protects both the agent and the agency from allegations of fund misappropriation or bribery.
Question 7: A DEA Confidential Source operating in an undercover capacity purchases narcotics using government funds. This transaction must be documented in which timeframe after the purchase?
- Within 24 hours (Correct answer)
- Within 48 hours
- Within 72 hours
- Within one week
Correct answer: Within 24 hours
All CS-directed purchases using government funds must be documented within 24 hours to maintain proper evidence chain of custody and financial accountability.
DEA Confidential Informant Management 2
Under DEA policy, how frequently must a handler conduct a face-to-face review meeting with an active Confidential Source (CS)?