Also known as: tips · tipped · tipping · informant tip · anonymous tip
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A report from an informant or anonymous source concerning suspected criminal activity that may establish reasonable suspicion or probable cause when it bears sufficient indicia of reliability under the totality of the circumstances.
Talia Torres provides an anonymous tip to police that Trevor Tate will arrive at a specific corner with narcotics at 9 p.m. The tip accurately predicts Tate's arrival and conduct. Officers conduct a Terry stop based solely on the tip. The prediction of future movements supplies the indicia of reliability needed to justify the stop.
Tessa Takahashi tells officers that Tanner Thompson keeps stolen electronics in his garage. The informant has supplied accurate information in prior cases and describes the items from personal observation. Officers obtain a search warrant. The totality of circumstances, including the informant's track record and basis of knowledge, establishes probable cause.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Talia Torres gives officers a tip that Trevor Tate stores narcotics in a garage based on direct observation. Officers verify some innocent details and obtain a warrant. The totality of circumstances establishes probable cause despite the informant's lack of prior track record.
Tessa Takahashi reports that Tanner Thompson will meet a supplier at a known location. Officers observe matching conduct and make an arrest. The tip plus limited corroboration supplies reasonable suspicion for the stop.
Tiana Tan provides a tip predicting exact times and vehicles used in a drug delivery. Officers confirm the predictions and seize contraband. The accurate forecast of future conduct establishes the reliability needed for probable cause.
Triumph Manufacturing's employee tips officers about hidden records of illegal activity. The informant's inside knowledge and partial corroboration support issuance of a search warrant under the totality test.
An anonymous tip justifies a Terry stop when it bears sufficient indicia of reliability, particularly when the tip accurately predicts the suspect's future movements or conduct and thereby demonstrates inside knowledge of criminal activity.
Supporting sources
Probable cause is evaluated under the totality-of-the-circumstances test. An informant's veracity, reliability, and basis of knowledge remain relevant but are not rigid prerequisites. A strong showing on one factor can compensate for weakness on others when the overall circumstances show a fair probability that evidence of crime will be found.
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Reasonable suspicion requires less than probable cause but still demands that the tip carry sufficient indicia of reliability. Accurate prediction of future innocent-appearing conduct can supply that reliability even without independent corroboration of criminal activity.
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Yes, when the totality of circumstances shows a fair probability that evidence of crime will be found. A strong showing on basis of knowledge or predictive accuracy can compensate for the absence of a prior track record of reliability.
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…curbing the evils of campaign ignorance and corruption that Congress found to exist. Appellants argue, however, that the balance tips against disclosure when it is required of contributors to certain parties and candidates. We turn now to this contention. B. Application to Minor Parties and Independents Appellants…