NY S00327

Defines "confidential informant" as a person who cooperates with law enforcement confidentially to avoid arrest, prosecution, or mitigate punishment while providing information or conducting controlled buys/sales related to criminal investigations

Requires law enforcement agencies to inform potential informants that they cannot promise immunity, dropped charges, reduced sentences, or probation in exchange for cooperation, and that only appropriate legal authorities can determine the value of assistance

Mandates that persons solicited as confidential informants be given the opportunity to consult with legal counsel before entering into a substantial assistance agreement

Requires agencies to establish written policies addressing informant recruitment, handling guidelines, supervisory oversight, restrictions on off-duty relationships between personnel and informants, deactivation procedures, and special approval requirements for juvenile informants

Establishes suitability assessment criteria including age, mental capacity, criminal history, substance abuse history, risk of physical harm, emotional stability, and importance to the investigation

Requires secured retention of informant records with limited access, documentation of who accesses files, and periodic agency reviews to ensure compliance with policies