What type of informant has their identity concealed by officers?

A confidential informant is one whose identity is protected by law enforcement officers. This protection is crucial as it allows the informant to provide sensitive information without the risk of exposure or retaliation. Such informants have often established a level of trust with the officers, which facilitates the sharing of valuable intelligence that can be instrumental in investigations.

Confidential informants usually have agreements with law enforcement that outline the handling of their identity, ensuring that the information they provide is used to advance a case while maintaining their anonymity. This allows law enforcement to act on the informant's information without revealing their source, which is critical in protecting the informant's safety and encouraging continued cooperation.

In contrast, an anonymous informant does not identify themselves at all, and while they may provide information, they do not have the same level of trust or established partnership as a confidential informant. A reliable informant refers to someone whose past information has proven accurate but does not inherently imply that their identity is concealed. Therefore, the best term for an informant with a concealed identity in law enforcement is "confidential."