Which type of sources may require corroboration to establish probable cause?

Corroboration is essential when dealing with anonymous sources and confidential informants because their information is often unverifiable or lacks context, making it harder to establish the reliability of the information they provide. While public officials, witnesses, and victims might have firsthand knowledge or a stake in the incidents they report, anonymous sources and confidential informants do not provide the same level of accountability or recognizable credibility.

To establish probable cause effectively, law enforcement typically seeks additional evidence or validation to support the claims made by these types of sources. This corroboration could come from independent observations, physical evidence, or testimony from other credible sources. Strengthening the basis for probable cause helps ensure that actions taken by law enforcement are justified and supported by reliable information.