Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

True or False: An officer can perform a warrantless search during exigent circumstances.

1. True

2. False

3. Only if they have probable cause

4. Only with a supervisor's approval

The correct answer is: True

The assertion that an officer can perform a warrantless search during exigent circumstances is true because exigent circumstances create situations where the immediate need for action outweighs the necessity to obtain a warrant. This legal concept allows law enforcement to bypass the usual requirement for a warrant when they believe that waiting to obtain one could result in the destruction of evidence, the escape of a suspect, or a risk to public safety. This principle is grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures but allows for exceptions in certain urgent situations. Exigent circumstances can include scenarios such as responding to a domestic disturbance where someone may be in danger or discovering a fire that could spread if not addressed immediately. The other options refer to conditions that could potentially complicate the legality of a search. However, in exigent circumstances, the pressing nature of the situation justifies proceeding without the usual legal formalities, thus reinforcing the validity of the answer provided.