Q: Do investigators need to verify the identities of informants?
Let's say the police receive a call from someone who claims to be the sister-in-law of someone who she overheard had committed a crime. Can investigators obtain a warrant on what she says without further investigation and without verifying that she is who she says she is?
A: Generally a warrant cannot be issued on an informant unless law enforcement can vouch for the reliablity of the information. Contact an attorney to get a copy of the affidavit in support of the warrant.
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