Alabama Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is the largest difference between an informant and a witness?

1. An informant is more reliable

2. The informant is compensated or paid

3. A witness provides testimony in court

4. An informant must be present at the scene

The correct answer is: The informant is compensated or paid

The primary distinction between an informant and a witness lies in the nature of their involvement in a case. An informant is typically someone who provides information to law enforcement, often regarding criminal activities or individuals involved in crime, and this person is usually compensated for their information. This payment might be in the form of money, benefits, or other incentives, which can influence their willingness to share information. In contrast, a witness generally refers to someone who observes an event or incident and provides testimony based on their firsthand experience. Witnesses do not usually receive compensation for their accounts and their role is to relay what they have seen or know about an incident, often in a court setting. The other options highlight differences that, while relevant in specific contexts, do not capture the fundamental nature of the relationship that typically exists with informants and witnesses. For instance, while witnesses provide testimony in court, the compensation aspect of informants is a more significant distinguishing feature.