And frankly? That is exactly how justice should work. The moment a CI list becomes public is the moment the city’s ability to fight organized crime collapses. The exclusive list isn't a toy. It's a shield. And you aren't getting it. Have you found a public record that accidentally revealed an informant? Contact our legal tips line. For now, stay legal, stay safe, and stay curious.
Most courts have ruled that even the existence of a CI list is exempt from disclosure. In The Detroit Free Press v. City of Detroit (2022), a judge ruled that releasing a roster of active CIs would lead to "an immediate and foreseeable risk of retaliatory homicide."
But does that list actually exist? And if it does, can you—a private citizen—legally get your hands on it? confidential informant list for my city exclusive
In plain English: Your city will not give you the exclusive list because doing so would be a death warrant. If the list is secret, why do defense attorneys sometimes get the names of informants? This is where the keyword "exclusive" becomes ironic. The exclusive list does exist, but only for the prosecution.
Unless you are a defense attorney with a court order or a federal agent with a warrant, that list will remain exclusive —exclusively out of your reach. And frankly
In the dark alleys of crime forums, behind the paywalls of True Crime enthusiast boards, and in the whispered conversations of courthouse clerks, one question gets asked more than any other: Where can I find the confidential informant list for my city?
Possessing a CI list is not a First Amendment trophy. In many jurisdictions, exposing a confidential informant can be prosecuted as (18 U.S.C. § 1510) or Witness Tampering . If the informant is killed, you could face conspiracy to commit murder charges, even if you only "shared a PDF." The Legal Way to See the List (Sort Of) If you are a journalist or a defendant, there is one legitimate door: The civil asset forfeiture audit. The exclusive list isn't a toy
is the killer. It protects records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes that "could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source."