- then they usually cannot remain anonymous unless there's a risk to their safety . What if an informant provided false information in order to get me into trouble? It is still likely that the agency will be able to withhold the identity of the informant. Revealing the identity of a malicious informant may still create a substantial risk that genuine or well-meaning informants may be put off supplying information in other cases. The agency's investigation processes should be robust enough to deal with malicious information. For instance, agencies need to take reasonable steps to check that information is accurate before they use it (principle 8). And if the agency is sure that the informant acted maliciously, it may well take steps to note this on its records to reduce the chance that the person can cause trouble in the future (principle 7). Also, it may take further steps - deliberately supplying false information can sometimes be a criminal offence. I have been told I am being investigated for an offence. Can I get a copy of my file from the agency investigating me? If an agency is investigating an offence, releasing information can sometimes get in the way of the investigation. For instance, witnesses may be influenced to change their story, investigation techniques could be revealed, or evidence could be destroyed. So sometimes the agency can refuse to release some information about the investigation until that investigation has finished. Of course, it can be very important that the person