Summary Of The Throwaways By Sarah Stillman

Staff writer for The New Yorker Sarah Stillman wrote an invigorating article titled The Throwaways where she argues using civilians for sting operations is hazardous for the informants. Using civilians as confidential informants is a growing practice among law enforcement since informants do not need to be trained, paid, or even protected; nevertheless, using civilians has led to numerous amounts of deaths for victim and pain for the families of the victims. Stillman’s article uncovers the truth about the dangerous stings reputable persons must perform as confidential informants for only having charges or offenses against them, and while uncovering the truth she reveals how truly hazardous these operations are for the informant. Stillman includes background information found in news reports and interviews about each
The state attorney in charge of this case said this was a, “reckless, stupid, and idiotic idea” he had seen in his nineteen years of legal work.” Again the police made an idiotic decision that led to the death of confidential informant. Not only were both victims killed because of reckless decision making, both of the informants were lost by the police right in the middle of performing their separate stings. The police showed complete disregard for Jeremey McLean when he was repeatedly harassed and threatened by a drug dealer he set up. Each time Jeremy called his handler he would respond, “Don’t worry about it—the guy’s harmless’’ or “It’s just hearsay.” Not once did the police attempt to protect Jeremey showing there blatant disregard for a confidential informant. Jeremy ultimately ended being killed, but had the police adhered to his warnings or pleadings for help he would still be alive