What exactly are search warrants?
A search warrant refers to an order issued by a court judge or magistrate effectively authorizing police officers to search a person, vehicle, or given location for specific objects or materials. Search warrants are given when probable cause is established and are meant to look for evidence of a crime or contraband. Image source: kwqc.com Because search warrants must abide by the rule of law and people’s right to privacy, officers who have not been issued one cannot conduct a search. The common exception where this may be allowed is when officers are in hot pursuit of a criminal who is on the run from the crime scene and has entered a particular home or property. Image source: theregister.co.uk To obtain a search warrant, police officers often convince a judge by providing written affidavits, done under oath and based on thorough police observations and reports from informants. Again, if the judge believes that the affidavits make for probable cause, he or she will issue a