Is it necessary to name an informant when providing information for a warrant?

• A. Yes, always
• B. No, if the informant is sufficiently described
• C. Yes, if they are a felony offender
• D. No, unless they are a police officer

Answer: (B)

The necessity of naming an informant in warrant applications hinges on the reliability and credibility of the informant's information rather than their identity. Courts typically require that informants be sufficiently described to establish that their information is credible. This can include factors like their previous reliability, the basis of their knowledge, and other corroborating evidence.

By effectively describing the informant, law enforcement can meet the threshold established by courts for probable cause without necessarily requiring the informant's name. This approach helps protect the informant's identity, especially in cases where revealing their identity could endanger them. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the understanding that sufficient characterization of the informant is adequate for warrant purposes, allowing for the use of informants who may need to remain anonymous for safety or other reasons.