If releasing a record would endanger a CI’s life or physical safety, it is exempt from disclosure.
Indiana courts use a balancing test to decide whether to grant these motions, considering:
According to Indiana Code § 4-2-7-8 , the identity of anyone who discloses information to the inspector general is strictly confidential. Unlawful disclosure of this identity is a Class A misdemeanor . confidential informant list indiana
Is the CI’s testimony essential to the defendant's case or a fair trial?
Did the CI witness or participate in the crime (e.g., a "controlled buy"), or were they merely a "tipster"? Courts are more likely to order disclosure if the CI was a direct witness. If releasing a record would endanger a CI’s
In cases like Williams v. State , Indiana courts ruled that if a CI's information is used only to explain why an investigation started—rather than to prove the defendant's guilt—their identity can often remain secret. Types of Informants in Indiana Informants in Indiana typically fall into three categories:
Individuals who receive monetary compensation for providing intelligence. Is the CI’s testimony essential to the defendant's
The Indiana State Police (ISP) utilize unique "CI numbers" to refer to informants in reports, ensuring their true names never appear in public-facing documents. When Can an Informant’s Identity Be Revealed?
Inmates who claim to have heard a confession from a fellow prisoner. This category is currently subject to advocacy for stricter regulations due to reliability concerns. Accessing Legal Guidance
The following article explains how Indiana law handles confidential informant (CI) information, when disclosure is possible, and the legal hurdles involved.