What type of informant receives payment for the information they provide?

A paid informant is someone who provides information in exchange for compensation, which can be monetary or in the form of other benefits. Law enforcement agencies often utilize paid informants to gather critical intelligence or evidence regarding criminal activity, especially in drug-related investigations. These informants typically have a direct relationship with the agency and may provide ongoing information, making their insights particularly valuable.

The role of a paid informant contrasts with other types, such as anonymous informants, who provide information without revealing their identity and do not receive payment, and confidential informants, who may disclose their identity to law enforcement but are kept secret from the public. Good citizens typically report criminal activities without the expectation of reward or payment, acting out of civic duty rather than for financial gain. The distinction lies in the transactional nature of the relationship that defines a paid informant's involvement with law enforcement.