Confidential Informant List Indiana (2025)

A defense investigator in Hammond was charged with attempting to bribe a police clerk to obtain the county’s confidential informant list. The sting operation revealed that a black-market CI list could fetch up to $50,000 from drug traffickers. The investigator received a 4-year sentence, and the incident prompted legislative hearings, though no new disclosure laws were passed.

While rare, a confidential informant list—or parts of one—can become public in Indiana through the following scenarios:

There is one major catch, and it comes out of federal law (Roviaro v. United States, 1957), which Indiana courts follow.

If a person is charged with a crime and the informant was a material witness to that specific crime, the judge might force the state to reveal the informant’s identity. This is rare. The defense has to prove they can’t get a fair trial without knowing who the informant is.

But note: That disclosure happens to the defense attorney and the judge—in a sealed hearing. It does not become a public record.

As of April 2026, there is no legitimate public or official "confidential informant list" for the state of

. By definition and law, the identities of confidential informants (CIs) are protected from public disclosure to ensure the safety of the individuals and the integrity of criminal investigations. Legal and Privacy Context

Protection of Identity: Indiana law and police standard operating procedures mandate that law enforcement must do everything possible to prevent the disclosure of a CI's identity.

Exemption from Public Records: Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA) and specific Indiana Codes, investigative records and information that would identify a confidential source are exempt from public disclosure.

Recent Scams and False Claims: There have been instances of social media posts circulating "informant lists" that claim to be from Indiana law enforcement agencies (such as the Wayne County Sheriff's Office). These have been officially debunked as fake and misleading by the departments involved.

Data Breach Alerts: While there have been recent government data breaches in Indiana (e.g., DeKalb County and St. Joseph County in early 2026), these typically involve personal information like Social Security numbers or health records rather than lists of confidential informants. Operating Procedures for Informants

Law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police, follow strict protocols for CIs:

Assignment: CIs are assigned unique, non-reusable identification numbers to protect their names in official reports.

Security: Master files containing the true identities of informants are kept in locked safes within specialized units like the Criminal Intelligence Unit.

Court Privilege: Prosecutors are instructed to invoke "informer's privilege" in court to maintain anonymity unless the informant is required to testify as a witness.

Important: Attempting to find or distribute a supposed CI list can be dangerous and may involve interacting with fraudulent websites or malicious software. If you have concerns about a specific legal case or your own privacy, it is best to consult with a legal professional. Rule 5: Records Excluded From Public Access.

To be clear, there is no public "Confidential Informant List" in confidential informant list indiana

. Law enforcement agencies maintain highly secure, non-public databases of informants to protect their safety and the integrity of active investigations.

If you are looking for information on how these lists are managed, how to access related court records, or the laws governing them in Indiana, the following breakdown covers the essential "features" of this system. 1. Management of Informant Records

Law enforcement agencies in Indiana, such as the Indiana State Police, follow strict internal protocols for documenting and managing confidential informants (CIs).

Documentation: Informants must be fingerprinted, photographed, and provide handwriting samples.

Classification: CIs are often categorized (e.g., Class I, II, or III) based on their reliability and the type of assistance they provide.

Written Agreements: A formal agreement or "Declaration of Understanding" must be signed, outlining the rules—such as not carrying weapons and not being a police officer. 2. Public Access & Court Records

Under Indiana Access to Court Records Rule 5, certain information is strictly excluded from public access to ensure safety and privacy.

Exclusion from Public View: Files containing informant identities are typically filed with a Notice of Exclusion from Public Access (Form ACR).

State Law Protections: Indiana Code § 4-2-7-8 explicitly allows investigative records of the Inspector General to remain confidential, making the unauthorized disclosure of a confidential informant's identity a Class A misdemeanor. 3. Disclosure in Criminal Cases

While the identity of a CI is generally protected, there are specific legal exceptions during criminal proceedings.

Exceptions for Defense: A court may order the state to disclose an informant's identity if the defendant can prove it is essential for a fair trial—for example, if the CI was a direct witness or participant in the alleged crime.

Credibility Challenges: Under IC 35-33.5, defense attorneys can challenge the reliability of a CI used to obtain search warrants. If the informant’s credibility cannot be established, evidence gathered from their tips might be excluded. Confidential Informants - IN.gov

, there is no official, publicly accessible "list" of confidential informants (CIs). By law and policy, law enforcement agencies must keep the identities of these individuals secret to ensure their safety and the integrity of investigations. Legal Protections & Confidentiality

Indiana Code § 4-2-7-8: Explicitly states that the identity of an informant who discloses a violation of state or federal law is confidential and may not be disclosed without proper authorization from the governor or inspector general.

Public Access Exceptions: Under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act (APRA), law enforcement agencies have the discretion to deny access to "investigatory records," which typically includes any information that would identify a CI.

Exclusion from Public Records: Court records that contain identifying information for a CI are often redacted or excluded from public view through a Notice of Exclusion of Confidential Information. How Informants are Managed A defense investigator in Hammond was charged with

Instead of a public list, agencies maintain internal, secure databases:

Unique CI Numbers: Informants are assigned a unique, non-reusable number for reporting purposes to avoid using their true names in case files.

Internal Packets: Departments like the Indiana State Police or local agencies (e.g., Anderson Police Department) maintain detailed internal files including photographs, fingerprints, and payment records that are strictly off-limits to the public.

Court Proceedings: A defendant's attorney can file a motion to disclose a CI's identity, but this is only granted if the information is deemed critical to the defense or the determination of guilt. Social Media and False "Lists" Wayne County Indiana Sheriff's Office - Facebook

Confidential Informants in Indiana: Understanding the Role and Risks

Confidential informants play a crucial role in law enforcement agencies across the United States, including Indiana. These individuals provide valuable information to help investigators solve crimes, dismantle criminal organizations, and keep communities safe.

What is a Confidential Informant?

A confidential informant is someone who provides information to law enforcement agencies on a confidential basis. This information can help investigators gather evidence, identify suspects, and build cases against criminals. Confidential informants may be individuals who have connections to criminal organizations or have witnessed criminal activity.

The Role of Confidential Informants in Indiana

In Indiana, confidential informants are used by various law enforcement agencies, including the Indiana State Police, local police departments, and federal agencies. These informants may provide information on a wide range of crimes, including:

Risks Associated with Being a Confidential Informant

While being a confidential informant can be a valuable way to contribute to public safety, it also comes with risks. Confidential informants may face:

Indiana Laws and Regulations

Indiana has laws and regulations in place to protect confidential informants. For example, Indiana Code § 34-46-3-1 allows law enforcement agencies to keep the identity of confidential informants confidential. However, this confidentiality can be challenged in court if it is deemed necessary to ensure a fair trial.

Conclusion

Confidential informants play a vital role in helping law enforcement agencies in Indiana keep communities safe. While being a confidential informant comes with risks, it can also be a rewarding way to contribute to public safety. If you or someone you know is considering becoming a confidential informant, it's essential to understand the risks and benefits involved. Risks Associated with Being a Confidential Informant While

Please note that I've provided general information on the topic and avoided specific details that could compromise the confidentiality of informants or law enforcement operations.

, there is no official public list of confidential informants

. Law enforcement agencies at the state and local levels go to great lengths to keep these identities secret to protect the safety of the informants and the integrity of ongoing investigations. Understanding Confidential Informant (CI) Lists Confidential Nature

: By definition, CI identities are not public record. Releasing this information could lead to criminal charges like obstruction of justice. Department Records

: The Indiana State Police (ISP) and other local departments maintain internal, highly secure "CI packets" that include photos, fingerprints, and unique "CI numbers" to identify informants without using their names in reports. Hoaxes and Fake Lists

: Be wary of lists circulating on social media. For example, in October 2025 Wayne County Sheriff's Office

issued a statement debunking a viral image that falsely claimed to be a leaked CI list, calling it "misleading and irresponsible". How Identities Are Legally Disclosed

The only formal way to learn a CI’s identity is through a legal process during a criminal case: Motion for Discovery

: A defense attorney can file a motion to disclose the informant's identity. Court Evaluation

: A judge will only grant this if the defense proves the informant’s identity is essential to a fair trial—for instance, if the CI was a direct witness to the alleged crime.

: If a CI is called as a witness at trial, their identity becomes public. Key Indiana Resources Wayne County Indiana Sheriff's Office - Facebook

If you wish to become a CI or give anonymous tips, call:

By: Legal Affairs Desk

In the shadowy world of criminal justice, few tools are as powerful—or as controversial—as the confidential informant (CI). These are individuals who, often in exchange for leniency, reduced charges, or direct payment, provide law enforcement with inside information about criminal activity.

For defense attorneys, journalists, and citizens concerned about government overreach, a pressing question often arises: Is there a confidential informant list in Indiana? Can the public access a roster of who is working for the police?

The short answer is no. Indiana, like the rest of the United States, does not maintain a public-facing “confidential informant list.” However, the legal reality is far more nuanced. Behind the scenes, law enforcement agencies do keep meticulous records—but those records are among the most tightly guarded secrets in the justice system.

This article explores the legal framework governing informants in Indiana, the reasons these lists remain hidden, the exceptions to the rule (including discovery rights for defendants), and the high-stakes consequences of revealing a CI’s identity.

Imagine a drug case where the only evidence against a defendant comes from a CI’s single controlled buy. The defense argues the defendant wasn’t present. The judge might order disclosure of that informant’s identity so the defense can impeach their credibility (e.g., prior criminal history, incentive to lie). But the rest of the list remains sealed.