Spotlight: Snitch City - Episode 2: Blind Trust
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Host: The Boston Globe Spotlight Team
Overview
In the second episode of Spotlight: Snitch City, investigative reporter Dugan Arnett delves deeper into the perilous world of police informants within the New Bedford Police Department. Titled "Blind Trust," this episode unravels the harrowing experiences of Daniel, a former gang member turned confidential informant (CI), and exposes the systemic misconduct and betrayal by law enforcement officials entrusted with his protection.
Daniel’s Plea for Help
The episode opens with a distressing phone call from Daniel, portrayed by an actor to protect his identity due to life-threatening risks (00:12). Daniel's desperation is palpable as he repeatedly states, “I need your help” (00:28). Dugan narrates, “[...] Daniel was burned, and now he's scared,” highlighting the failure of the system meant to safeguard informants (01:25).
Notable Quote:
Daniel: “I need your help.”
— Daniel at 00:28
Becoming a Confidential Informant
Daniel's journey into becoming a CI began at 19 when a routine drug-related arrest led him to collaborate with the police in exchange for leniency (08:09). Initially promised protection, Daniel was coerced into a spiraling cycle of informant demands, far exceeding the promised one-time contribution. He explains, “I wasn't gonna win. I just did whatever they wanted” (11:19), underscoring his lack of viable alternatives.
Notable Quote:
Daniel: “I wasn't gonna win. I just did whatever they wanted.”
— Daniel at 11:19
The Betrayal by Officer Polson
A pivotal moment occurs when Daniel is pulled over by Officer Alexander Poulsen, a childhood friend of his gang associate Jack. This unexpected encounter leads to Daniel being outed as an informant, shattering his trust in the police department (13:31). Poulsen’s conflicting relationship with Jack becomes a focal point, revealing internal corruption and the misuse of informant information.
Notable Quote:
Officer Poulsen: “He just wanted one gun. And then they were like, you’ll be done.”
— Officer Polson at 00:54
Internal Affairs Investigation
Daniel’s revelations prompt an Internal Affairs (IA) investigation into Officer Polson’s conduct. During a recorded interrogation, Poulsen admits to sharing sensitive information with Jack, violating department policies. Despite the gravity of his actions, the IA investigation results in minimal consequences for Poulsen, highlighting a disturbing leniency within the department’s oversight mechanisms (27:59).
Notable Quote:
Officer Poulsen: “If I would make a claim like that, I'd have to be 110% sure...”
— Officer Polson at 28:06
Consequences for Daniel
Outed and betrayed, Daniel faces immense pressure from both his former gang and the police. He is coerced into participating in violent acts, including shootings he intended to botch as a means of proving his loyalty. Daniel confesses, “I think of it all together and I'd be like, damn, I wish I did have a fucking time machine” (26:06), reflecting his despair and the irreversible mistakes he’s made under duress.
Notable Quote:
Daniel: “I wish I did have a fucking time machine.”
— Daniel at 26:06
Systemic Failures and Cover-Ups
The investigation uncovers a pattern of systemic failures within the New Bedford Police Department, where informant abuse is commonplace, and whistleblowers face retaliation. The IA report’s lenient response to Poulsen’s misconduct, including the removal of serious charges and minimal disciplinary action, exemplifies a culture of impunity that undermines trust in law enforcement (37:11).
Notable Quote:
Dugan Arnett: “The department issued a statement saying that the allegations flagged by the Globe have been, quote, investigated to resolution...”
— Dugan Arnett summarizing the IA report at 32:06
Conclusion and Ongoing Threats
Daniel remains incarcerated, living in constant fear of retribution from both gang members and corrupt officers. His situation epitomizes the vulnerability of informants within flawed systems. The episode concludes with the appointment of a new police chief, Maria Oliveira, hinting at potential reforms while underscoring the deep-rooted challenges that persist (37:14).
Notable Quote:
Daniel: “There’s been a bunch of close calls. I try to avoid it...”
— Daniel reflecting on his current struggles at 32:17
Key Takeaways
- Systemic Misconduct: The episode exposes the exploitation and manipulation of informants by law enforcement, revealing a lack of accountability within the police department.
- Betrayal of Trust: Daniel’s story highlights the fragile and often perilous trust between informants and the police, where promises of protection frequently go unfulfilled.
- Cultural Resistance: The entrenched culture within police departments resists transparency and reform, allowing misconduct to persist.
- Human Cost: Beyond institutional failures, the episode underscores the profound personal toll on individuals like Daniel, who navigate a treacherous landscape of loyalty and survival.
Final Thoughts
Spotlight: Snitch City Episode 2: "Blind Trust" serves as a compelling exposé on the dark underbelly of police informant systems. Through Daniel’s tragic narrative, Dugan Arnett illuminates the urgent need for systemic reforms to protect those who risk everything to assist in law enforcement, ensuring that promises of safety and discretion are upheld.
About the Production Team
- Host: Dugan Arnett
- Additional Reporting: Andrew Ryan and Brendan McCarthy
- Writers: Max Green, Kristen Nelson, Dugan Arnett, Brendan McCarthy
- Senior Producer: Max Green
- Executive Producers: Brendan McCarthy and Kristen Nelson
- Sound Design and Mix: Steven Jackson
- Actor (Daniel): Safanyas
- Executive Editor: Nancy Barnes
- Art Direction: Ryan Huddle
- Podcast Visualization: Olivia Jarvis and Anoush Elbakian
- Audience Editor: Heather Cyrus
- Visuals Editor: Tim Rasmussen
- Legal Review: John Albano
- Fact Checking: Matt Mahoney
Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisement segments and non-content elements to focus solely on the episode's investigative narrative.