Should I agree to cooperate with the police and testify against my friends to avoid prosecution?

You should never agree to act as an informant or cooperating witness for the police without first entering into a written contract with both the police and the prosecutor which outlines the reward to be given and the work required of you The police may offer to “put in a good word” with a prosecutor or a judge in return for your agreeing to testify against others they suspect guilty of a crime. Many times, these offers from law enforcement are made without the intention or even the ability to help you. Any verbal agreement with the authorities is not enforceable and can be reneged on by the government if not reduced to writing. If you desire to enter into such an agreement you should first retain an attorney to represent you in this very important endeavor.