Uncovered investigators are police officers who investigate under a permanent, altered identity (legend). VE may participate in legal proceedings under the legend. (§110a paragraph II StPO). These are specially selected and trained police officers who can be deployed to avert danger and prosecute under clearly defined legal conditions.

The deployment of VE can make a significant contribution to preventing the commission of serious crimes, identifying and uncovering criminal structures, gaining information relevant to proceedings, arresting criminals and seizing criminal assets.

Confidential informants are persons who, without belonging to a law enforcement agency, are willing to assist it in the investigation of criminal offenses on a confidential basis for an extended period of time. Their identity is always kept secret.

Uncovered investigators are often equated with confidential informants. However, the latter are not police officers and are not employed by the state of NRW. They merely work together on a long-term basis.