Value Tiers

• Rank sources strategic, operational, or tactical
• Match effort to long-term impact
• Focus where payoff justifies the risk

Value Drivers

• Weigh access that is hard to obtain
• Demand reliable, specific, actionable information
• Assess influence and willingness to stay exposed

Identify & Assess

• Locate individuals with access or motive
• Evaluate reliability and vulnerabilities
• Estimate their true value before contact

Develop & Present

• Build genuine rapport and trust
• Create a foundation before any ask
• Offer the source a real choice

Secure & Maintain

• Gain agreement and set expectations
• Establish clear boundaries early
• Deliver value and protect the source

Rapport Cues

• Mirror behavior and tone
• Remember personal details
• Ask open-ended questions
• Stay consistent over time

Warning Signs

• Watch for sudden secrecy or distance
• Flag inconsistent stories
• Note unexplained affluence
• Resist pressure for tasks or money

Do & Don't

• Do your homework and protect identity
• Listen more than you talk
• Never make false promises
• Never over-task too early