This article is for informational and educational purposes only regarding public records law and legal procedure. It does not describe an actual, obtainable database of undercover informants. Attempting to uncover or expose active confidential informants may obstruct justice, violate state and federal laws, and endanger lives. The Exclusive Truth: Can You Get a Confidential Informant List for My City? By: Legal Affairs Desk
When a police department seizes cash or cars based on a CI’s tip, that CI is often listed in the forfeiture complaint. By filing a public records request for all forfeiture affidavits from the last five years, you can sometimes compile a partial, historical list of informants—names redacted, but with their "handler ID" visible. confidential informant list for my city exclusive
Possessing a CI list is not a First Amendment trophy. In many jurisdictions, exposing a confidential informant can be prosecuted as (18 U.S.C. § 1510) or Witness Tampering . If the informant is killed, you could face conspiracy to commit murder charges, even if you only "shared a PDF." The Legal Way to See the List (Sort Of) If you are a journalist or a defendant, there is one legitimate door: The civil asset forfeiture audit. This article is for informational and educational purposes