Snitch

History

Government authorities have used snitches in varying capacities throughout history. By 1275, an organized use of informants was in place throughout England. An early “approver system” allowed those accused of a felony or treason to come forth and provide information on others in return for pardon. This system was eventually abandoned due to abuse and frequent corruption. Those accused had little to lose by coming forth, and many provided false implications against others in hopes of gaining freedom. The [Page 908]approver system also provided opportunity for blackmail when individuals threatened to make false accusations unless they were paid to be silent.

In place of the approver system, a “common informer system” was adopted that allowed any person, not just those charged with a crime, to come forward to provide information to authorities. Those assisting authorities were entitled to a portion of any fine imposed on the wrongdoer. But soon this system too experienced problems of false accusations and blackmail.

By the end of the 19th century, professional police forces were in place throughout most of Western Europe and the United States. In all systems, informants became an integral part of police investigations. In both France and England, the establishment of specialized criminal investigative units carried forward government reliance on snitches. Today, the use of snitches in the United States is more common than ever. With increasing complexity of criminal activity and the unique insight snitches provide, their use has become commonplace in contemporary criminal justice systems.

Snitches and the Prison Subculture

In most incarcerated populations, those who snitch are despised and occupy a low status within the inmate subculture. Names such as “rats,” “stool pigeons,” “stoolies,” or “finks,” given to snitches by other prisoners, symbolize this disdain. The repercussions for those identified as snitches can be severe. Some are placed in special custody by correctional staff to prevent violent attack from other inmates. In extreme cases where the threat to the inmate and his or her family is likely to be carried out, the snitch may be relocated and enrolled in a witness protection program with a new identity.

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