Define confidential source.

• A. A police informant who is always publicly named.
• B. A witness who is required to testify.
• C. A defendant in a criminal case.
• D. A person who provides information about a crime confidentially, often expecting some benefit.

Answer: (D)

A confidential source is someone who provides information about a crime to law enforcement and expects that their identity and the information they share will be kept confidential to protect them. The defining elements are sharing details about wrongdoing and seeking confidentiality, often in exchange for some benefit or incentive. This is why the best answer describes a person who provides information confidentially, often expecting some benefit. The other scenarios don’t fit: a publicly named informant reveals identity, which defeats confidentiality; a witness required to testify pertains to courtroom testimony rather than ongoing, confidential information sharing; and a defendant is someone charged with a crime, not a source of information.