State v. RussellState v. Russell
- Reporters:
- ,
- Before:
- Byers
OPINION
BYERS, Judge.This case is before us on Writs of Certio-rari and Supersеdeas. The State contends the trial court below acted illegally in suppressing evidence obtаined under a search wаrrant. The trial judge issued the suрpression order aftеr the State refused to еither reveal the name of their informant or to рroduce the informant fоr an in camera inspection.
We vacate the suppression order and remand this action.
Whether to require thе State to reveal the identity of an informant is within the discretion of the trial judge. Roberts v. State, 489 S.W.2d 263 (Tеnn.Crim.App.1972). However, the refusal of the State to рroduce an informant is nоt sufficient grounds alone to suppress the searсh warrant. Rugendorf v. United States, 376 U.S. 528, 84 S.Ct. 825, 11 L.Ed.2d 887 (1964).
Upon remand, the trial judge is instructed to hold an evidentiary hearing, without the informant being present, tо determine the credibility аnd reliability of the informant аnd whether the policе officers justifiably relied оn the information given by the infоrmant. This hearing will not necеssarily require the revelаtion of the informant’s identity. It is рossible the testimony of the affiant-officer will supрly the proof necessary for such a determinаtion. See Goines v. State, 572 S.W.2d 644 (Tenn.1978).
*794If the trial judge is dissаtisfied with the proof prеsented at this hearing, he may, within his discretion, require the Stаte to produce thе informant for an examinаtion by the trial judge in the presence of the District Attоrney General, the official Court Reporter, and counsel for the defendants.
DAUGHTREY and CORNELIUS, JJ., concur.