Opinion
July 10, 1997
Appeal from the Supreme Court, Clinton County.
Petitioner was found guilty of possession of a weapon after a search of his cell disclosed a six-inch long metal rod secreted in his mattress. Petitioner challenges the determination of his guilt contending, inter alia, that the Hearing Officer failed to assess the reliability of the confidential informant whose tip led to the search. It is well settled, however, that when a determination of guilt does not depend upon the credibility of confidential information there is no need for all assessment of the informant's reliability ( cf., Matter of Shaffer v. Hoke, 174 A.D.2d 787, 789; Matter of Siders v. LeFevre, 145 A.D.2d 874, 875). In this matter, the Hearing Officer based his decision upon the misbehavior report and the testimony of the correction officer who conducted the search. Hence, the finding of guilt was supported by substantial evidence without reliance upon the confidential information. Petitioner's remaining contentions have been examined and found to be without merit.
Mercure, J. P., Crew III, Casey, Peters and Spain, JJ., concur. Adjudged that the determination is confirmed, without costs, and petition dismissed.