Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

What is required for law enforcement to obtain either a search warrant or an arrest warrant?

1. Reasonable suspicion

2. Search history

3. Probable cause

4. Interrogation agreement

The correct answer is: Probable cause

To obtain either a search warrant or an arrest warrant, law enforcement must demonstrate "probable cause." This legal standard requires law enforcement to provide sufficient evidence or facts that would convince a reasonable person that a crime has been committed or that evidence related to a crime can be found in a specific location. Probable cause goes beyond mere suspicion or gut feelings; it requires concrete facts or circumstances that indicate a crime has occurred or is about to occur. This standard safeguards citizens against arbitrary searches and arrests by ensuring that warrants are issued based on reliable information. Other options, such as reasonable suspicion, are a lower threshold and may only be used for temporary detentions or stops, but they do not suffice for obtaining a warrant. The terms like search history or interrogation agreements do not pertain to the necessary criteria for a warrant either, as they do not establish the necessary legal foundation of probable cause. Without meeting the probable cause requirement, any warrant issued would be legally invalid.