I grew up in the 60's and we had a similar event. It was called being a "Rat Fink" below is a link to explain it.Yes I and my friends built the model. I think it is an overblown media story IMO.

tequila's comments about why and who practice the don't snitch philosophy are close to my experiences as an LE officer. Witness intimidation is the main reason the US Marshal service had to come up with the witness protection program.

There are COIN lessons to be learned about why people will or will not be a witness or tell you about an insurgent. Fear is a very strong motivator. If a person is in fear of retaliation and you cannot protect them you will probably not have a witness.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rat_fink