Police agencies that use informants will always remain susceptible to litigation. However, police agencies can help reduce problems by conducting continued training and maintaining a high degree of professionalism. Police officers must maintain strictly professional relationships with informants at all times. They must interact with informants with dignity and respect and must keep promises, tell informants the truth, and safeguard their confidentiality. They must also avoid circumstances that may jeopardize the officer-informant relationship. These include forming business partnerships, accepting gifts or loans, making unprofessional comments, and meeting informants in inappropriate places. Officers should also make every effort to verify and substantiate through independent means all information the informant provides. These actions will help the officer and the agency limit situations that could damage both personal and professional reputations, help avoid litigation, and allow law enforcement to continue the use of this vital investigative resource. Photograph and notes