According to the Aguilar-Spinelli Test, what indicates an informant's reliability?

• A. Informant's social standing
• B. Prior good information provided by the informer
• C. Your personal relationship with the informer
• D. Informant's location at the time of the crime

Answer: (B)

The Aguilar-Spinelli Test assesses the reliability of informants based on two main factors: the informant's credibility and the basis of their knowledge. A key aspect of determining reliability is the history of prior good information provided by the informer. If an informant has previously given accurate and actionable intelligence that has resulted in law enforcement successfully addressing criminal activity, it demonstrates their reliability. This history serves as a strong indicator that the informant can provide credible information again in the future.

The test emphasizes the importance of evaluating an informant's track record rather than solely relying on subjective factors or personal relationships. An informant's social standing, their relationship with the law enforcement officer, or their geographic location at the time of a crime do not inherently provide a reliable measure of their ability to provide truthful and useful information. Therefore, the reliance on prior good information is a central component of the Aguilar-Spinelli Test, affirming that well-documented instances of reliability reinforce an informant’s credibility.