How can the reliability of an informant be determined?

The reliability of an informant is best determined by documenting and corroborating their information. This process involves assessing the validity of the informant's claims through evidence and other sources. When information can be independently verified, it significantly strengthens the credibility of the informant. This method not only shows that the informant has provided useful and actionable intelligence in the past, but it also helps establish a pattern of reliability, which is crucial in legal and law enforcement contexts.

Other potential methods, such as relying on the informant's profession or personal trust, might provide initial insights but lack the robustness needed for formal investigations. These methods do not inherently establish reliability, as a person's profession or a personal relationship does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided. Additional measures like formal interviews can help gather detailed information, but without corroboration, the information may still lack reliability. Therefore, verifying the informant's claims through documentation and corroboration is the most effective way to ensure the information is credible.