When collecting information from contacts, what should the officer be aware of regarding the nature of the information?

The nature of information collected from contacts during an investigation necessitates that it be substantiated to ensure its reliability and credibility. When officers gather information, it is essential that they verify the claims made by their contacts to build a strong case. Substantiation involves cross-checking details, corroborating facts, and determining the legitimacy of the information provided. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the investigation and ensuring that the evidence can hold up in court if necessary.

While other considerations like privacy concerns and limitations on specific cases are relevant, the focal point in this context is the requirement that the information must be backed by evidence or corroboration to be useful in a legal context. A piece of information shared by a contact without sufficient verification does not contribute effectively to the investigative process or the subsequent legal proceedings. Thus, substantiated information serves a critical role in supporting the overall findings of an investigation.