Opinion ID: 1371864
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: The Inquiry into the Detective's Residence.

Text: On cross-examination appellant attempted to ascertain the residential address of Detective Lee. Appellant contends that the trial court's refusal to order disclosure infringed upon his sixth amendment right to confront witnesses. See Smith v. Illinois, 390 U.S. 129, 88 S.Ct. 748, 19 L.Ed.2d 956 (1968); Alford v. United States, 282 U.S. 687, 51 S.Ct. 218, 75 L.Ed. 624 (1931). In Brown v. State, 94 Nev. 393, 580 P.2d 947 (1978), we held that the accused's right to a meaningful cross-examination does not establish an absolute right for the disclosure of a witness' address, but rather we would look to the disclosures regarding personal and employment history made by the witness and the extent and nature of the cross-examination. Here, as in Brown, it is of importance that the witness is a police officer and not an informer in that the motive and background of the police officer differs considerably from an informer. United States v. Alston, 460 F.2d 48, 53 (5th Cir.1972); People v. Pleasant, 69 Mich. App. 322, 244 N.W.2d 464, 466-67 (1976). Moreover, the witness gave his true name and occupation, and fully described his professional involvement with the appellant. The detective was also thoroughly cross-examined by defense counsel who failed to make a showing how disclosure of the officer's address would make his cross-examination any more meaningful. There is no error.